CCPO also focusing on tourist safety

CEBU, Philippines — After Cebu was voted seventh best island in Asia, the Cebu City Police Office promised to maintain security operations to safeguard tourists as a new leadership takes over.

Cebu bested Boracay that came in seventh but was also bested by Palawan, that ranked second best island in the recent survey conducted by a travel and leisure magazine, Travel + Leisure.

Tourists rated the island through the overall travel experience, including sights, activities, natural attractions, beaches, food, and friendliness.

Police Colonel Gemma Vinluan, who was told by her predecessor retired Police Colonel Royina Garma to improve the tourist police unit for the city’s growth, said she will keep an eye on the security of foreign and local tourists.

Cebu City, Vinluan’s jurisdiction, is considered one of the most urbanized cities in the country with a population of about 800,000 registered voters, it also has one of the biggest tourism markets in the country.

She added that police were directed to also be “approachable” and smile in order to encourage the public to come to them for assistance anytime.

“We want to encourage both foreign and local tourists na ang pulis ay madaling lapitan,” she said.

She also said that an eyesore to tourists --children sniffing rugby in the streets-- will be looked into.

During her visit to the Department of Health-7, she discussed with DOH-7 Director Jaime Bernadas ways on how they can help children who are victims of substance abuse.

This is to curb petty crimes such as theft and robbery. Tourists happen to be the favorite target of street kids who perpetrate these crimes.

“Magkakaroon ng strong partnership with DOH, kasi may social responsibility ang bawat miyembro, makialam tayo. Bayan natin to,” she said, adding that Mayor Edgardo Labella is also into the project.

She said that another among her concerns is to keep children from being prostituted as this will encourage sex tourism. In line with this, she plans to coordinate with the Australian government to prevent pedophiles from preying on children online. (FREEMAN)