ORMOC CITY, Philippines – A memorandum of agreement among the city government, the city police and the city’s DILG was signed yesterday creating and activating the Ormoc Tourist Police that would ensure further the safety of tourists in the city.
Under the MOA, the police, headed by Sr. Supt. Nilo Donayre, is tasked to organize the special police unit, and provide its initial manpower, mobility, communications and armaments.
The city government, represented by Mayor Eric Codilla, is in charge of conducting skill-enhancement training for the unit personnel in assisting foreign and local tourists. It would provide also the materials and equipment needed for the unit’s operations.
On the part of the DILG, represented by city director Jess Horca, it will focus on providing awareness seminars for the Tourist Police on programs promoting tourism and other ecotourism endeavors currently implemented by the city government. It will also help source out funds for the LGU’s tourism programs.
A separate MOA for cooperation and support on security in the city was also signed by Codilla, Donayre, 19th Infantry Battalion commander Lt. Col. Joel Alejandro Nacnac, and CENR officer of Albuera town Felino Lodevico.
Councilor Lea Doris Villar, chair of the tourism committee, said the CENR Office’s main participation is to involve the Tourist Police in travels to natural areas to understand more on environmental concerns which include the well-being of the people.
The military, for its part, will assist on police operations and other internal security activities.
“I urge all the stakeholders and the sectors concerned to support this endeavor,” said Villar when asked what the hoteliers and other businesses in the tourism industry should offer for the success of the Tourist Police. - THE FREEMAN