MALAY, Aklan – Boracay Island is considered one of the top tourist destinations in the world, especially after its rehabilitation.
It has again boomed and been crowded by local and international tourists.
Though the island was considered generally peaceful and orderly with the presence of police officers in the area, threats from terrorist attacks, criminal groups, and other lawless elements cannot be ignored.
Thus, any incident that disturbs the peace and tranquility of the island will not only be captured by the local media but will also become international news that will surely affect the country’s tourism and economy.
To evaluate the Malay Municipal Police Station’s Law Enforcement Capability in facing threats, critical incidents, and other emergencies, BGen Sidney N Villaflor, Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 Director; together with Col Victorino N Romanillos Jr., initiated a Simulation Exercises (SIMEX) on September 2, 2023, at Keyhole, Brgy. Yapak; City Mall and Lake Town, Brgy. Balabag; Tambisaan Port, Brgy. Manoc-Manoc, Boracay Island, Malay, Aklan.
The simulation exercise started with five different scenarios in the different locations on the island, such as:
- Terrorist attack by an armed group on board a motorized boat headed towards the island. The Aklan Maritime Police Station, under the operational control of Malay police chief, immediately conducted sea vessel interdiction;
- Drowning incident wherein one of the armed men jumped in the water and the personnel of the Malay PNP immediately conducted water rescue and first aid;
- COMELEC Checkpoint, wherein it was found out that another group of terrorists had already entered the island, which led to the conduct of a checkpoint, vehicle interdiction, and performed proper arrest techniques, handcuffing techniques, and reading of Miranda Rights;
- Hostage-taking incident at Lake Town at Brgy. Balabag wherein hostage negotiation techniques and the SWAT Team performed Tactical Assault against the hostage takers; and
- Bomb Threat (reported Unattended Luggage) wherein Aklan EOD and K9 Unit conducted paneling and blasting in place procedures.
All the simulation exercises successfully ended.
Gen. Villaflor conducted debriefings with all participating units and emphasized the importance of the exercise. He also directed the Malay police to conduct the same exercises every quarter and to make it more extensive, involving the Local Government Unit, other law enforcement agencies, stakeholders, and force multipliers.
Villaflor lauded all the personnel of the Malay Police Station for the successful conduct of the simulation exercises.
“This activity is important in order for us to be refreshed on the things that we should do whenever these incidents happen. Isa po itong napakagandang practice and let us always do it for us to improve more sa ating mga dapat na gawin. Let us also involve our force multipliers, local government units, stakeholders, and other government and non-government agencies for a holistic approach at para mas mabilis pa ang ating pagresponde dahil tulong-tulong ang lahat,” he said.
