Boracay security task group formed

By Erly C. Garcia (www.thenewstoday.info)
Iloilo City- Various law enforcement agencies recently signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the enhancement of security at the world renown Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan in the wake of terror threats in the country.

The MOA eventually created the Joint Task Group Boracay (JTGB) with the Police Regional Office (PRO) 6 as the lead agency.

JTGB is composed of specified units, offices and personnel of the Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency and the Philippine Coast Guard.

Chief Supt. Geary Barias, PRO 6 regional director, said the MOA formalizes and defines the role of every agency involved in the security of Boracay Island.

Barias said the idea was brought up in 1992 yet during the initial security meetings following the series of terroristic bombings in Mindanao but it is only now that it was given life.

"This is good so that the movements of personnel on the ground would be synchronized and so that every agency involved will know their job," Barias said.

Barias noted that Boracay is considered a target of terroristic attacks as it is frequented by foreign tourists.

Department of Tourism (DOT) data show that an average of 500,000 foreign and domestic tourists visit Boracay Island every year.

Based on the MOA, the JTGB shall conceptualize the Security Master Plan embodying the comprehensive security measures to be implemented on the island.

JGTB shall also initiate and undertake to make necessary consultations and coordination and will present its recommendations to the concerned national as well as local government agencies and local government units for the adoption of the formulated Security Master Plan and other necessary security arrangements for Boracay Island.

Barias said one of their plans is to implement an ID system among all workers in Boracay.

Another is to install closed circuit TV cameras in Boracay's entry and exit points to monitor people going in and out of the island.

Barias cited that camera monitoring played a big role in the identification of a suspected terrorist who left a bomb in a restaurant in Bali, Indonesia last year.

Meanwhile, Maj. Gen. Victor Ibrado, commanding general of the Third Infantry Division Philippine Army, revealed that a platoon of army troops are currently deployed in Boracay to help secure the island.

However, Ibrado said the army personnel are only doing covert operations so as not to scare the tourists and the local community.

Ibrado also asked the cooperation of the community and the visiting tourists saying "the security of Boracay is everybody's concern."