Security tightened in Boracay for Lenten vacation
Security has been tightened on Boracay Island in preparation for the deluge of tourists during the Lenten vacation.
More policemen have been deployed on the world-famous resort as around 50,000 tourists are expected to flock to the island until Sunday, said Supt. Arnold Ardiente, chief of the Boracay Special Tourist Police Office, in a telephone interview on Tuesday.
Ardiente said police assistance centers have been set up along the beach front from Boat Station 1 on the southern end of the 1,032-hectare island to Boat Station 1 in the northern part.
Policemen in plain clothes have also been deployed in bars, restaurants, malls and other crowded areas.
The 65-member BSTPO has been beefed up to a total of 110 policemen to prepare for more tourists, said Ardiente.
Ardiente said most of the island's 5,800 hotel rooms especially those at the beach front are booked.
The BSTPO have distributed leaflets containing security tips for tourists while staying on the island.
Ardiente said they advise tourists to always secure their belongings especially valuables in vaults in their hotel rooms or in the safekeeping of the hotel desk.
Tourists should also keep close their belongings while walking or staying at the beach.
Walking alone at night is also discouraged, according to Ardiente.