PNP, DOT join hands to fight criminal groups preying on tourists

Concerned over the rising incidence of crimes committed against foreign tourists, government is soon adopting new schemes to curb crime syndicates preying on travelers.

Tourism Secretary Richard Gordon and Metro Manila police director Edgar Aglipay met the other night to discuss measures to ensure the safety of foreign tourists visiting the metropolis.

"Tremendous crimes were committed against foreign tourists last year and this would definitely have an adverse effect on our already fragile tourism industry," Gordon disclosed.

Gordon cited Department of Tourism (DOT) records indicating that last year, a total of 288 foreign tourists were victimized by crime syndicates or requested assistance due to loss of travel documents and other important belongings.

Last year’s figure was 5.49 percent higher than the total of 273 cases reported to the DOT in year 2000. Most of the recorded victims were tourists from Japan , the country’s second biggest market.

"Most common crimes against tourists were committed by Ativan Gangs, Hulidap and other crime groups that victimize foreign visitors while they are in hotel lobby or while in transit from the airport to hotel," Gordon pointed out.

The tourism chief also identified other criminal groups as "Crooked Gambling" which are reportedly based in Angeles, Pampanga and "Kotong Gang" operating in Ermita and Malate tourist belt areas.

Just this week, four Japanese tourists were ambushed but survived the attack of unidentified men who tried to rob them in Malate, Manila.

"Serious crimes are being committed against foreign tourists and for this reason governments in other countries are restricting their citizens from coming to the Philippines," Gordon pointed out.

He also revealed that the Japanese government imposed a travel ban to the Philippines not because of the kidnappings but because one of their citizens who came to the country last year was almost raped. The case is still unsolved.

Gordon said the DOT and the Philippine National Police (PNP) must be able to ensure the safety of foreign tourists from their arrival until their departure so as to lure tourists to the country.

To ensure protection of tourists in Metro Manila, Aglipay vowed to deploy a thousand English speaking policemen in various tourist destinations in the metropolis.

Aglipay said policemen will be mobilized to deter crime groups operating in tourist belt areas and assist tourists who need help.

"Within the month we will be giving assignments to the policemen and they will be held liable in case a crime is committed against tourists in their jurisdiction," Aglipay explained.

He added that NCRPO will review its deployment system and give priority to tourist areas. All crimes committed against tourists will be immediately reported to embassies concerned.

Police posts will also be set-up in strategic areas within the vicinity of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).