BORACAY - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday said it will deploy riot police to this island to prevent any riot or protest rally that might take place ahead of its 6-month closure.

President Rodrigo Duterte’s order earlier this month to close Boracay for 6 months beginning April 26 has worried business establishments employing thousands in the world-famous island, as well as informal workers who sell items and offer various services to tourists.

Residents whose houses were found to be situated in forestlands and wetlands have also been notified to vacate their homes.

Western Visayas police chief Cesar Binag said at least 138 riot police will be deployed to the island as part of the government’s security preparation ahead of the island’s shutdown.

“In any transition especially with a drastic action such as this, there are confusion, uncertainty and low morale,” Binag said in a meeting with Boracay stakeholders here.

“What we did is we mapped out sources of confusion, uncertainty and low morale that might result in agitation and become a security issue.”

The interior department has laid down rules that locals, expatriates, and journalists will have to follow during the 6-month closure of Boracay.

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These rules include requiring identification cards from residents before they can enter the island. Accessing the island can only be made through a single port which the government has yet to identify.

The movement of journalists who wish to cover the 6-month rehabilitation of the island will also be limited.

Visitors of Boracay locals will also not be allowed, except under emergency situations.