PALO, Leyte- Tourists who are expected to visit the various tourist spots in the region are assured of their safety.
Chief Inspector Ma. Bella Rentuaya, regional information officer of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said that police personnel have been deployed to various tourist spots across the region.
“Our tourism police officers are also in close coordination with the local government units and the Philippine Army especially in destinations located in remote areas,” Rentuaya said.
“We are just happy that all local government units with tourist destinations also delegated individuals who will be responsible for coordinating with the authorities to ensure safety of the visitors,” the PNP regional information officer said.
The PNP has also activated its village intelligence communities in the coastal areas and made sure that coordination with village links is secured.
Earlier, Rentuaya said that the regional police organization is on full red alert after members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group were spotted at the nearby province of Bohol purportedly to carry out kidnapping activities involving tourists.
Rentuaya said that among the top tourist draws in the region that are being closely secured by the police are the Kalanggaman Island in Palompon, Leyte, and the rock formations in Biri, Northern Samar.
The Department of Tourism is expecting tourist arrivals in the region to top more than 1 million for this year.
Rentuaya assured the people of the region that Eastern Visayas remains to be peaceful with no threats coming from terror group detected.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
