Security at the Tagbilaran City Tourist Port has been doubled as influx of local and foreign tourists is expected to rise during the summer months, a period when the province’s tourist destinations attract the most number of visitors.

The number of fiestas in May and the upcoming local and national polls are also expected to draw more visitors to the province.

According to Tagbilaran City port manager Engr. James Gantalao, the port authority has requested the Bohol police to augment the current security force of the seaport which includes the port police and other security personnel.

He noted that the additional police presence will help ensure the safety and convenience of people who go inside and out of the seaport.

With the congestion and few snags experienced yesterday at the newly built Passengers Terminal Building, Gantalao also voiced out the need for another terminal building to better accommodate passengers.

During the summer months when the Tourist Port is often crowded, port authorities have set up a canopy to serve as roof in vacant spaces outside the terminal building.

Passengers, particularly the elderly, those with disabilities, and those who opt not to use the services of porters, are offered free rides to transport them from the entrance of the port’s Gate 2 to the docks.

Other seaports across the province need to tighten security as well particularly by adding x-ray machines as some ports still have none while others are using old and outdated models.

According to Architect Epelito “Jun” Arao-arao II, Tagbilaran Philippine Ports Authority spokesman, the Jagna port still does not have an x-ray machine.

After the completion of the new Tagbilaran City and Talibon port terminals, other port development projects in the province are also ongoing. (with reports from Rey Tutas)