PRO-6 readies for Boracay’s full reopening

Police Regional Office (PRO)-6 regional director, Brigadier General Rene Pamuspusan, sent a “red team” to test police responses through Simulation Exercises (SIMEX) in Boracay Island, Aklan on Sept 23, 2020, as part of the preparations for the reopening of Boracay Island to domestic tourists on Oct 1.

The SIMEX was spearheaded by Police Colonel Esmeraldo Osia Jr., Aklan police director, and was closely supervised by the PRO-6 Red Team.

Among the scenarios tested were active shooting, bomb threat, and unruly COVID-19 patient who escaped from a quarantine facility.

The PRO-6 Red Team headed by Lieutenant Colonel Victoriano E Romanillos Jr. conducts SIMEX to gauge the operational preparedness of police units and to check the actual response of the police officers and other key players in the given scenario.

“I want the Red Team to ensure that the courses of action are executed properly based on the contingency plans submitted by the units involved,” Pamuspusan said.

While the Red Team measures the effectiveness of the plans based on the execution, they could also recommend changes to improve the existing plans.

“Their execution of the scenarios is very satisfactory,” Romanillos said during the critique session.

Present during the activity were other government forces and partner agencies.

During the reopening, PRO-6 assured the public of full security coverage on the island.

The local police and support units, who were earlier deployed in all strategic areas, will maintain peace and order and security and ensure that health protocols set by the national government are followed by visitors.

PRO6 appealed to the public, especially to those who will be coming to Boracay Island, to strictly observe Health and Safety protocols and guidelines.

“Let us enjoy the beauty of Boracay without compromising our health and safety,” Pamuspusan said. (RPIO-6)