More cops deployed to tourist spots

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered its police commanders to intensify visibility and anti-crime operations in tourist spots.

PNP officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. issued the directive to comply with President Marcos’ order to beef up police presence in tourist destinations to ensure that local and foreign tourists are safe from crimes.

Danao “wants to ensure that all of our police commanders, down to the precinct level, and municipal police stations comply” with the directive, PNP Directorate for Operations head Maj. Gen. Valeriano de Leon said in a statement.

Security measures at tourist attractions should supplement the PNP’s previous directive to field commanders to regularly update crime mapping in their areas of responsibility, De Leon said.

He added that this should be accompanied by increased intelligence gathering efforts to identify criminals and threat groups in various regions of the country.

“Crime mapping is essential because it gives our commanders an advantage in preparing and implementing measures to prevent crimes at a specific time and location,” he said.

De Leon also reminded police officers to intensify efforts to account for loose firearms in the country, stressing that illegally acquired guns are the primary weapons used to commit crimes.

“Let’s do our part for economic recovery by performing well in terms of peace and order, which will benefit our country,” he said.