Security monitor TV in Boracay pushed

By Niña Jane A. Souribio

In attempt to further tighten up security in Boracay Island, authorities here are pushing for the establishment of a close circuit television (CCTV) to monitor tourists and other individuals coming in and out of the island.

The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) has passed a resolution asking the Department of Telecommunications Commission, Department of Tourism, and other government agencies to take steps for the implementation of the project.

During its meeting last Tuesday, Police Regional Office 6 (PRO6) recommended for
the creation of data base of residents and workers in the area and strict implementation of a gun-free policy in Boracay to strengthen its campaign in terrorism and other forms of criminalities.

PRO6 Director Wilfredo Dulay also asked for allocation of adequate budget for the procurement of equipment needed by the troops of Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police operating in the country’s premier tourist’s destination.

“But we still need municipal ordinances to implement all of these. The local government would welcome this,” said Dulay.

In December last year, the Joint Task Group Boracay (JTGB) was “in response to the threat posed by local terrorists allied with international groups to Boracay Island.”

A memorandum of agreement was signed by PRO6, the 3rd Infantry (Spearhead) Division, Philippine Army (3rdID), Boracay Intelligence Sub-Committee 6, the Regional Intelligence Committee 6, Military Intelligence Group 6, and Philippine Coast Guard District Western Visayas creating JTGB at Camp Delgado.

Based on the agreement, the PRO6 is the lead agency in the maintenance of peace and order in Boracay Island.

The 3rd ID, meanwhile, is tasked to provide support by providing trained and equipped soldiers.
Both the police and military together with the Military Intelligence Group 6 (MIG6) and NICA will formulate preventive measures in terms of intelligence particularly on terrorist plans.

The Tactical Operations Group 6 is assigned to “conduct frequent air visibility patrols over Boracay Island and conduct periodic aerial and reconnaissance of NAPOCOR power lines providing electricity to the island to prevent sabotage.”

The PCG is assigned to conduct seaborne patrols around the island and inspect all watercrafts going to Boracay from Caticlan.

Naval assets and equipment will be provided by the Naval Task Force.