The police will work closely with the Department of Tourism and travel agencies to ensure the safety of foreign nationals, Senior Supt. Allan Guisihan, provincial police director, said yesterday, following the sudden influx of Korean tourists in Negros Occidental.

Although there is no threat against foreign nationals, unlike in some areas of Mindanao, Guisihan said there is a need for the local DOT and travel agencies to link up with them, by providing them with destinations of their clients.

About 250 Korean nationals arrived in Negros Occidental on Jan. 7 and 11, on board on two Zest Air chartered flights directly from South Korea, that landed at the Bacolod-Silay airport.

More Korean tourists are also expected to visit various tourist destinations in Negros Occidental until March .

With the influx of foreign nationals in the province, Guisihan raised the possibility that some individuals or groups from neighboring islands could take advantage of it.

He, however, said they already have contingency plans, citing the presence of “tourist cops”, augmented by Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team members, in the tourist destination areas of Sipalay and neighboring areas, that are known for their diving sites, and leisure activities.

Guisihan said the Philippine Army is also ready to assist them in providing additional manpower, if needs arise.

The National Police Commission had earlier approved the creation of 25 more Tourist Police Units in the country, including Negros Oriental, to ensure the safety of local and foreign tourists.

This is line with the recent launching of the new DOT campaign slogan,“ It’s More Fun in the Philippines”.

Aside from the tourist police units created in line with the Republic Act No. 9593, or the Tourism Act of 2009, Tourist Assistance Centers will also be set up near international and domestic airports, major seaports and tourist destination, Napolcom said.

The TACs will provide services such as call centers, information, fielding lost and found inquiries and complaints, paging systems, and agency coordination.*GPB

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