Tighter security up at WV tourist spots

ILOILO CITY, Philippines — Security measures were strengthened at the different tourists in Western Visayas, with the advent of summer vacation.

Chief Supt. Cipriano Querol, Jr., director of Police Regional Office-6, ordered his police commanders to reinforce their security coverage in areas frequented by tourists, the volume of which is expected to increase this year.

It was gathered that the order for maximum visibility of police in resorts and other tourist spots came in the heels of a snatching incident in Boracay Island.

“Petty as it may sound to some, it should be given due attention because this will reflect our security efforts. We have to prevent even the simplest of crimes, like snatching and theft, victimizing our local and foreign visitors,” Querol said.

Last February 13, a man from The Netherlands fell prey to snatchers in Boracay Island. In a report of the Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC), Daniel Van De Koot, 32, lost his backpack when an unidentified snatcher grabbed it from him while he was walking with his girlfriend at the shoreline fronting a mall at about 4:40 p.m. The backpack contained an underwater camera, pair of sunglasses, P4,500 cash and other personal belongings. - THE FREEMAN