Joselito Malig

Article (news)

Karen De Guzman

ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Crime incidents in Malay, Aklan, home to the world-famous Boracay Island, declined during the first seven months of 2026, with police saying road crashes remain the area’s most common public safety concern.Data from the Aklan Police Provincial Office (PPO) showed 33 crime incidents were recorded from January to July this year, down from 37 during the same period in 2025. Aklan PPO Public Information Office chief P/Maj. Aubrey Ayon attributed the decline to intensified police deployment, tighter security measures, and closer coordination with the local government.“Mas pinaigting natin ‘yung kampanya natin para sa safety and security natin. May mga dinagdag tayong mga deployment natin and mga innovations pagdating sa security coverage, particularly dito sa Boracay Island,” Ayon explained. <div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/7/26/organizers-hope-boracay-s-fame-attracts-competitors-tourists-to-sea-open-water-meet-1855">Organizers hope Boracay&#x27;s fame attracts competitors, tourists to SEA Open Water meet</a></div>She said the most prevalent incidents in Malay involve reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property, primarily road crash accidents, followed by violations of Republic Act No. 9262 or the Anti-Violence Against Women and Their Children Act, and cases of physical injury.According to Ayon, many road crashes are linked to drinking after parties and nightlife activities in Boracay. She, however, said stricter implementation of local ordinances under the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s  “Safer Cities” program has contributed to the decline in such incidents.“Dito na papasok kung paano ‘yung partnership and collaboration ng LGU natin. Since sila ‘yung talagang nag-i-implement nito, support tayo sa PNP,” Ayon said. “And of course, the way we do our information dissemination, especially dun sa mga tourist spots, pong mga tarpaulin na nakalagay. So, makikita talaga siya,” she added.Among the ordinances being strictly enforced are anti-littering regulations, restrictions on drinking alcoholic beverages outside authorized commercial establishments, and a 10 p.m. curfew for unaccompanied minors.She clarified that Boracay has no ordinance prohibiting topless sunbathing.Police also appealed to tourists to cooperate by following local ordinances and reporting incidents immediately. Ayon said officers are stationed every 50 to 100 meters along portions of the beachfront, while emergency assistance is available through the 911 hotline.<div> </div><div>SLOVAK TOURIST UPDATE </div>The police official also sought to reassure tourists following the killing of a Slovak tourist on the island last year, describing the case as an isolated incident.The tourist was found dead inside an abandoned chapel in Boracay in March 2025 after being reported missing.Investigators later filed rape with homicide charges against four suspects.Ayon said all four suspects have now been accounted for.<div><a href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/othersports/2026/7/14/boracay-to-host-sea-open-water-swimming-championships-1649">Boracay to host SEA Open Water Swimming Championships </a> </div>Two were arrested after warrants were issued in October last year, while the remaining two were separately arrested in connection with other criminal cases. She said all four are now under detention and are undergoing trial for the rape with homicide case, while two of the suspects are also facing separate charges for violations of Republic Act No. 10591 and Republic Act No. 9165.“Technically, masasabi natin na solved na ang kasong ito,” Ayon said.“Gusto natin i-clear out na ‘yung nangyari is an isolated incident. Wala pong dapat ipangamba ‘yung ating publiko, especially yung tourists natin. And we are ensuring na binabantayan natin ‘yung kapakanan at seguridad, hindi lang ‘yung mga locals, but also the tourists na pumupunta sa Island of Boracay.”<div> </div>

Crime incidents in Malay, Aklan, home to the world-famous Boracay Island, declined during the first seven months of 2026, with police saying road crashes remain the area’s most common public safety concern.

Crime incidents in Malay, Aklan, home to the world-famous Boracay Island, declined during the first seven months of 2026, with police saying road crashes remain the area’s most common public safety concern.

Boracay crime rate drops; road crashes remain top concern, police say

News

Entertainment

Lifestyle

Sports

Metro.Style

More

BINI

Sudoku

Word of the Day

Lotto

Horoscope

Regions

Boracay crime rate drops; road crashes remain top concern, police say

Karen De Guzman,

ABS-CBN News

Published August 01, 2026 04:27 PM PHT

Read More:

PNP

Police

Crime rate

Road crash

Slovakian tourist

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

ABS-CBN Newsletter

Your go-to source for the latest news, entertainment highlights, exclusive interviews, and updates on your favorite Kapamilya stars.

Sign Up

I have read and agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy.

Haven't received our newsletter?

Check your inbox to verify and confirm your subscription.

ABS-CBN is the leading media and entertainment company in the Philippines, offering quality content across TV, radio, digital, and film. Committed to public service and promoting Filipino values, ABS-CBN continues to inspire and connect audiences worldwide.

Corporate

Investors

Governance

International Distribution

Corporate

Governance

Investors

International Distribution

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

AI Policy

Terms of Service

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

NPC Seal of Registration

Privacy Policy

Terms of Service

AI Policy

Advertise with Us

© 2026 ABS-CBN Corporation. All Rights Reserved.