Cops told to secure all PH tourist spots

As the national government attempts to fully revive the economy through tourism, the Philippine National Police (PNP) ordered all its police commanders to coordinate with the local tourism office to map out plans in securing all tourist spots in their respective areas of responsibility.

Police Maj. Gen. Valeriano De Leon, PNP Director for Operations, said all PNP units should assist the national government in maintaining peace and order in tourist spots as the PNP’s contribution to the government’s efforts.

“The national government needs all the help it can get to revive our tourism industry, especially with the easing of travel restrictions,” said De Leon.

“If it requires to fully revive our tourist cops programs, we will do it. However, coordination meetings are needed with local tourism offices in order to maximize the contribution of the PNP to this goal, ” he added.

Local government units have already opened their borders to local and foreign tourists in a move to revive tourism, which has proven to bring more jobs and spark the local economy.

Based on data from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the Philippines has been playing a key role in reigniting travel and tourism in the Asia-Pacific region.

In 2021 alone, the WTTC reported that the Philippines earned $41 billion from travel and tourism and supported 7.8 million jobs.

Department of Tourism Sec. Christina Garcia-Frasco earlier vowed to revitalize the country’s tourism industry.

“The PNP commits to extend all the assistance that it can provide in this effort. From securing tourist spots to interacting with the tourists, we are ready to contribute to this effort for the good of the economy and for the welfare of the Filipino people,” said De Leon.