Malapascua Resorts: Owners approve guards with no guns

CEBU, Philippines - Resort owners in Malapascua Island have agreed to disallow their security guards from carrying guns following a shooting incident that killed a British dive master during the Holy Week.

“Ang consensus sa all resort owners is to disarm the security guards. It sits well with everybody, unanimous... they said that they do not need armed secutiy guards,” said Vice Governor Agnes Magpale following a public hearing Thursday.

To compensate for this possible scenario, Magpale said the provincial government will ask the provincial police office to detail additional personnel in the island. Malapascua is a major tourist destination but only two policemen from the provincial police office are assigned there at present.

Magpale explained Daanbantayan town which Malapascua is a part of cannot also augment security in the island because its police office also lacks personnel.

“We have to do something pod kay ang Daanbantayan has 25 policemen only. One per 3,444 residents, which is kuwang,” she said.

Magpale said  it was also suggested to utilize barangay tanods to secure the resorts. This suggestion will be taken up during the meeting with municipal officials and the province’s committee on tourism.

“Ang tanod tagaan na lang og honorarium sa mga resorts. Mao na lay gamiton,” she said, adding, that the establishment of a police outpost in Malapascua will also be discussed.

“Ang problema didto is walay outpost or building para sa mga police. Way kaliguanan, katulgan. We promise nga magbutang mi gamay lang,” Magpale said. —/JMO (FREEMAN)