Cops, soldiers deployed for Boracay closure

CEBU, Philippines — Chief Inspector Joem Malong, newly-installed spokesperson of the Police Regional Office-6, said at least 610 policemen will be deployed to maintain peace and order in the island within this week.

A total of 166 personnel will come from the PRO-6/Metro Boracay Task Force, 300 from the MBTF/Boracay Sub-Station, 126 from the Aklan Police Provincial Office,13 from the Provincial Highway Patrol Group, four from the Regional Civil Security Unit, and one from the Criminal Investigation and Detection Team.

"We are ready to maintain peace and order, including possible resistance from affected firms and residents," Malong said, adding that the police is anticipating possible protest actions relative to the closure. "Part of our deployment would be teams trained for civil disturbance management."

Ultimately, Malong said the PRO-6 goal is to peacefully go about with the rehabilitation. "Our deployment is indefinite. They could stay longer than six months, if needed," she said.

The Philippine Army's 301st Infantry Brigade, for its part, said it is preparing a platoon from the 12th Infantry Battalion based at Camp Monteclaro in Miag-ao, Iloilo, and another CAA platoon for Boracay deployment.

Currently, the 301st IB is also part of the Joint Maritime Task Group Protect where the PNP, the Philippine Navy, the Philippine Coast Guard, and the PNP Maritime Group are also members. "We would deploy more personnel if necessary," said Brigadier General Pio Diñoso, 301st IB commander.

Malong also urged residents and affected individuals to follow legal orders set by the government to avoid any violence. Protests "are already considered and would be properly addressed," she added.

In coordination with the local government unit, the PNP will be implementing an ID system that would only allow workers and residents to enter the island, on top of government personnel involved in the rehabilitation works. Media personnel must ask for a prior approval before they would be allowed entry to the island.

Meanwhile, Malong believed that all questions regarding the closure would be addressed soon. She also did not expect an increase of criminalities with the expected unemployment in the island.

In recent months, Malong noted a decrease in the crime rate by about 50 percent. It was recently reported that some business establishments in the island have started to lay off employees before the April 26 closure.

There will also apprehension from business owners over reports that martial law will be declared in the 1,032-hectare island. They were hoping, though, that concerned government agencies would fix the problem before the six-month period. (FREEMAN)

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