Tourism top priority of new PRO-7 chief

CEBU, Philippines - The new director of the Police Regional Office 7 is giving top priority to the tourism sector in the region by intensifying police visibility to protect both local and foreign tourists.

“I consider Central Visayas as the number one tourist destination in the Philippines,” said Chief Supt. Marcelo Garbo, Jr. during yesterday’s TSIP (Talakayan sa Isyung Pulis) Forum at PRO-7.

A diving enthusiast himself, Garbo said he has seen the lush natural treasures the region has to offer. In fact, he has reportedly made it a personal advocacy to promote diving to his fellow police officers during his stint in Region 7 a few years back. 

Garbo said the principle is simple – more and more tourists will visit the region if they would feel safe here, if peace and order is maintained.

Following this thrust, Garbo met with Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza who also shares the objective.

The Cebu City Police Office itself plans to open a tourist center in front of the Waterfront Police Station near the Plaza Independencia in downtown Cebu with the help of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

However, CCPO director Melvin Ramon Buenafe clarified that they have yet to sign a Memorandum of Agreement with CCCI to formalize the partnership. He said they plan to build the center within a year.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Police Office (CPPO) will also build three tourist centers in the municipalities of Santa Fe and Malapascua Island in the north and Badian in the south.

CPPO Director Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said the tourist centers will be constructed with the help of Cebu 4th District Representative Benhur Salimbangon. He said they are currently preparing the plans for construction, which they also plan to finish in a year. 

PRO-7 intelligence chief Sr. Supt. Rey Lawas said they have recorded 251 forging victims and 75 perpetrators or a total of 326 foreigner-related crimes from January to August this year.

Authorities are optimistic that the presence of tourist centers will help curb crimes with foreigners as victims while enticing more visitors to visit the region. — (FREEMAN)