Lagawan

This resort island is safer compared with previous years, according to Undersecretary Rey Dela Rosa of the Emminent Persons Group (EPG).

“Our declaration of Boracay as a safer destination comes with our anticipation of the influx of tourists this Holy Week,” Dela Rosa said during the recent launching of the Boracay Sun, a monthly newspaper published by Hongkong-based publisher Victor Jeffrey and Editor in chief Randy Urlanda

According to the Department of Tourism (DOT) Boracay Island receives more foreign and local tourists during the Holy Week because of longer holiday break.

Local police committed to deploy police personnel to eight strategic locations in the island to pre-empt possible crime elements of disrupting the safety of tourists.

Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary chief Mike Labatiao said that the Coast Guard would also place a number of buoys and sinkers into the sea to prevent motorized banca from encroaching near the beach area.

“This is to avoid tourists from getting hurt from sea traffic accidents,” Labatiao said

Meanwhile, Dela Rosa also presented a plaque of appreciation to outgoing Coast Guard station commander Godofredo Vagilidad for spearheading the successful lobby to Malacanang to allow boats to transport tourists during typhoon Signal Number 1.

The EPG also held a meeting here with Boracay Special Tourism Police Office, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary, Boracay Foundations Inc., Malay municipal government and the local media. (PNA)