BFI’s Community-based Project Gains Support

By: Boy Ryan B. Zabal

The Boracay Special Protection Unit (BSPU) lauded the joint efforts of the Boracay Foundation, Inc. (BFI) and the Balabag barangay officials in the implementation of municipal ordinances in Boracay, Malay. “BFI’s community-based project is gaining support from local officials and residents. The active involvement of barangay captain (Glenn) Sacapano and barangays tanods is laudable,” said BSPU head, Chief Insp. Jack Wanky.
BFI, through Malay Mayor Ceciron Cawaling, initiated the six-month project to curb perennial concerns on stray dogs, minors roaming during unholy hours, illegal parking of paraws, trucks and pump boats, violations of peace and order and cases of theft on fighting cocks. Brgy. Balabag was identified as pilot project area after barangay captain Sacapano agreed to support the community-based project of BFI, an umbrella organization of over 100 resorts, hotels, establishments, diving shops, telecommunications, airlines, restaurants and individuals in Boracay. In its first month of its implementation, BFI recorded 127 apprehensions on violations of peddlers and ambulant vendors. Sacapano also organized a 24-hour watch composed of three barangay tanod groups to monitor and ensure peace and order in Brgy. Balabag. “Our police in the island could now further complement the operations of barangay officials and BFI to solve petty crimes and secure the island from threats,” Wanky added. The project, which runs from June 2005 to November 2005, provides incentives to barangay tanods on duty through voluntary contributions of individuals and BFI member-establishments. “We hope this project would be implemented in Brgy. Yapak and Manoc-Manoc, too as part of the concerted actions to minimize occurrence of crimes in our area of responsibility,” Wanky said.
He added that BSPU will install command posts or police action assistance centers in strategic areas of the island, such as, in Station 3 and Station 1, Bulabog area, Yapak area and Cagban jetty port to provide added security to tourists and residents and complement the on-going BFI’s community project.

New Patrol Multicabs For Boracay Cops


Meanwhile, Jack Wanky, chief of the Boracay Special Protection Unit (BSPU), said the police station will soon have new service vehicles courtesy of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The new patrol multicabs will be turned over to PNP Director General Arturo Lomibao on July 30.“The five new multicabs would augment our police operations in the island for maximum police visibility. The multicabs would help closely monitor transients in the island and provide reliable and efficient service vehicles to our cops,” Wanky added.
At present, BSPU has one patrol multicab and an all-terrain service vehicle for its daily operations. The new patrol multicabs are part of Lomibao’s program to enhance the image of the PNP in tourist destinations in the country, like Boracay Island, Palawan and Baguio, including renovation of existing police stations. According to Wanky, the P10-million three-storey BSPU office, construction of which started in May 2005 through the efforts of Lomibao, will be ready for occupancy in August.
Lomibao, along with PNP regional director Chief Supt. Doroteo Reyes II, will inspect the on-going expansion and renovation of BSPU office. The office will be fully-airconditioned, conference room, lock up cells, parking area, mess hall and sleeping quarters for policemen. “This off peak season, we have at least 30 policemen on duty. We hope we could detail additional cops in the island to safeguard our local and foreign tourists, including residents staying here,” Wanky stressed. /MP http://madyaas_pen@yahoo.com