Tourist police tell visitors to be vigilant against theft

The Boracay Tourist Assistance Center (BTAC) of the Philippine National Police has warned tourists and residents here to be vigilant against petty criminals.

The warning came after the Holy Rosary Parish at Barangay Balabag was robbed by unidentified men. The parish administration said the perpetrators carted away a few bills and coins from the donation box.

Insp. Fidel Gentallan, BTAC deputy police chief, said they are conducting intensive intelligence gathering and monitoring as the Christmas season approaches.

"We have already deployed police in civilian clothes and tourist marshals in strategic areas in Boracay to minimize, if not eradicate cases of theft," Gentallan said.

Despite the series of reported theft cases, the police said Boracay remains peaceful with the absence of major robbery incidents. Most of the victims of theft cases were foreigners.

"We also need the help of the residents to help us in our fight against criminals by giving us information," Gentallan added.