BORACAY – All police personnel deployed in this famed beach destination are not allowed to sleep in any of the deserted establishments during the island’s six-month closure and rehabilitation.
This was upon the order of Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde during his visit in the island on Thursday.
“They should not sleep or enter the establishments. Even if they will be offered to sleep inside, they better sleep at the shore,” Albayade said.
He stressed that such order will prevent any accusation against police officers.
“There might be things that will be lost inside (the establishments), and the policemen might be blamed for that,” Albayade added.
The police officers will only be allowed to sleep in tents provided to them while in Boracay.
“They do not need to sleep anywhere else, especially (since) there are hotels that are due for demolition,” said Albayade.
There has been no protests so far in Boracay, which means that “everything is going on smoothly and peace and order is generally peaceful,” according to the PNP chief.
With hundreds of police forces deployed in the island, “it is better to be over-killed rather than underestimate the situation,” he added.
If not secured properly, there might be looting in establishments in the island, said Albayade, adding that they “are securing the lives and properties” in Boracay.
Meanwhile, some individuals were caught swimming in prohibited areas in the island on the first day of the closure.
They were advised to transfer to the designated area for swimming at the island’s Station 1, or 150 meters from both sides of Willy’s Rocks, according to Albayade.
“They followed (our instruction). They understand fully,” he added./PN
