MANILA, Philippines - Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Raul Bacalzo said elements of the Tourist-Oriented Police for Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) would soon be seen in Metro Manila.
Bacalzo directed National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) chief Director Nicanor Bartolome to start the designation of TOPCOP and deploy them to tourist areas in the metropolis.
“We want to see TOPCOP in tourist areas in Metro Manila like Intramuros, Luneta, and malls soon,” Bacalzo said in his directive to Bartolome.
The PNP and the Department of Tourism (DOT) joined hands in an effort to ensure the safety and security of foreign and local tourists.
Under the memorandum of agreement (MOA), the PNP will tap as TOPCOP police officers, who are at least 1.7 meters (5’8”) tall, with an athletic build, between 25 and 45 years old, and proficient in English or other foreign languages.
Bacalzo said the TOPCOP, which is national in scope, is envisioned to enhance the security of tourists and tourist areas as well as to ensure the special and proper training and handling of tourist-related security and safety issues.
The agreement also pointed out that a good image of the country would enhance the country’s attraction as a tourism destination and contribute to the increase of socio-economic benefits, which can be derived from tourism.
Special units within the PNP shall be created to ensure the safety and security of tourists in various travel destinations throughout the country.
Bacalzo earlier ordered field units to intensify security operations in major tourist destinations in the country to provide protection and police assistance to tourists and foreign guests.
The PNP chief said TOPCOP will also be deployed in Baguio City, Boracay Island, Cebu, Bohol, Palawan, Tagaytay City and Davao.