BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan — Security tightened at jetty ports going in and out of this resort island destination on the first day of the six-month closure as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte.
No tourists were allowed to enter Caticlan port, the main gateway to Boracay, and only residents and workers with proper documentation were accepted.
The port was almost empty.
Police increased visibility in the transport hubs in Malay town as the exodus of tourists, residents and workers out of the island begins.
Workers and residents were required to show valid identification to prove that they indeed work in Boracay. A large number scrambled to complete the paperwork needed for them to be accepted on the island.
Traffic on the island’s main road leading to the ports was heavy amid roadworks being done by the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Thousands of passengers have already left the island and others are expected to leave before the month ends.
Hotels on the island would honor reservations made before the closure, the Department of Tourism said.
On Wednesday, government security forces have demonstrated their capability in responding to security threats that might erupt during the closure. /muf