By Jennifer P. Rendon
The Police Regional Office 6 has launched a dedicated unit to combat criminal activities in world-renowned Boracay Island in Malay, Aklan.
Named the Boracay Anti-Vice Unit, it was officially activated on March 31 at the Aklan Provincial Police Office headquarters in Camp Pastor Martelino, Barangay New Buswang, Kalibo, Aklan.
Brig. Gen. Jack Wanky, Western Visayas police chief, presided over the ceremony, which was attended by officers from PRO-6, AkPPO and the Malay Municipal Police Station.
The 22-member unit includes two officers and is led by Capt. Larry John Vidal.
Wanky said the Boracay Anti-Vice Unit is a decisive force in keeping the island safe.
Its personnel are dedicated solely to anti-criminality and intelligence operations.
“They will spearhead campaigns against illegal drugs and related activities,” he said.
“Its primary objective is to actively identify and neutralize criminal threats, particularly those involving drug-related offenses.”
Wanky said forming the unit was not an overnight decision.
“It has been in my plans for several months since I have been receiving reports of illegal drugs and prostitution on the island,” he said.
He added that he initially waited for the Malay police to produce stronger results in anti-drug operations but said they fell short.
The Boracay Anti-Vice Unit is expected to strategically augment the Malay Municipal Police Station’s existing operations.
While local police will maintain essential functions such as visibility and routine patrols, the new unit will focus on proactive intelligence gathering and targeted operations.
Wanky admitted that the move was partly spurred by the recent killing of a 23-year-old Slovak tourist.
He added that the timing aligns with the Holy Week season.
“This initiative by PRO-6 is a proactive and strategic response to combat illegal activities and ensure the safety and security of Boracay during the high influx of Holy Week and summer vacation,” Wanky said.
He added that the reinforcement underscores PRO-6’s commitment to safeguarding Boracay’s status as a premier tourist destination and ensuring the safety of both locals and tourists to support local tourism growth.
