THE Philippine National Police (PNP) said they had deployed some 6,000 tourist cops across the country as part of their “Oplan Ligtas Sumvac (summer vacation) 2023” campaign.
The PNP said this is to ensure the safety for both local and foreign tourists during this dry season, and during the different fiesta celebrations this month.
PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said that the said tourist cops are now present in major tourist destinations such as Boracay, Palawan, Siargao and other parts of the country.
Fajardo said the police deployment includes traffic management assistance and securing transportation hubs.
“Yung atin implementation ng ating Oplan SumVac ay nagtutuloy tuloy yan kaya naman yung ating deployment doon sa ating mga major thoroughfares ay nandiyan tayo para umalalay doon sa mga management and control ng traffic at siyempre yung ating deployment doon sa ating mga pangunahing terminals at hubs diyan sa ating airport at mga pantalan ay hindi natin inaalis yan yung ating mga 5,000 hanggang 6,000 na trained tourist police ay nandiyan at nakadeploy tayo sa mga pangunahin nating tourist destinations to make sure na mababantayan natin yung security and safety ng ating mga travelers both local and foreign,” Fajardo explained
Meanwhile, thousands upon thousands of people troop to the hometowns during May as they celebrate fiestas with friends and relatives.
The fiesta celebrations are sometimes taken advantage of for class reunions while some overseas Filipinos would also go home during fiesta celebrations to introduce their foreign spouses and friends to Filipino culture.
“This is to make sure that all our travelers, both local and foreigners, will be secured, especially that the month of May is when various fiesta celebrations are held,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo also said all police commanders have already been instructed by PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. to ensure that the enhanced police operations which include beat patrols, are regularly done.
“These enhanced police operations are being done day and night to ensure the safety and security of our kababayan,” said Fajardo.
Under Oplan Ligtas Sumvac, has already instructed all regional and provincial police offices to activate their contingency plans and maximize the deployment of personnel through tourist police units in their respective areas of responsibility in coordination with local government units (LGUs), local tourism councils and Department of Tourism (DOT).
Catherine R. Cueto
