Kalinga to establish Provincial Tourist Police Unit amid rising tourist arrivals

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Provincial Government of Kalinga is set to strengthen its tourism security with the establishment of a dedicated Provincial Tourist Police Unit (PTPU), as the Philippine National Police (PNP) prepares to deploy a total of 65 personnel to safeguard visitors across the province’s key destinations.

According to a letter from the PNP to the Local Tourism and Development Council, which was presented during the Sangguniang Panlalawigan’s regular session on May 5 by PMAJ George Acob, the proposed unit will serve as a dedicated tourism security force to help maintain peace and order in tourist-heavy areas.

The initiative aims to ensure the safety and proper monitoring of both domestic and foreign tourists amid the growing influx of visitors to Kalinga’s popular cultural and natural attractions.

Kalinga tourist destinations covered by the PTPU

According to Acob, the PNP has identified 15 Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited and non-accredited tourist destinations across the province. These include Balbalan’s Mangangab Cave, Mt. Panitet Calvary, Tuy-ob Picnic Site, and Ducligan Camping Site; Sulfur Hill in Pasil; and Awichon Village and Mabilong Weaver’s Village in Libuagan, among others.

Other identified areas include the Whang-od Tattoo Village in Tinglayan; Lubo Rice Terraces and Mt. Binaratan in Tanudan; Naneng Heritage Village, Talama View Deck, and Malalao Hills in Tabuk City; Rhino Fossil Site in Rizal; and the Formidable River Rocks in Pinukpuk.

Acob also clarified that the number of identified tourist destinations may still increase, as other sites across the province continue to be assessed and considered for inclusion depending on visitor traffic and tourism activity.

The proposed PTPU

During the session, Acob said the establishment of the unit was directed by higher headquarters, with all provincial offices instructed to set up their own tourist police units to ensure the safety of tourists and monitor tourist presence within their respective provinces.

The police major also shared that based on 2025 data, the province recorded more than 335,000 domestic tourist arrivals and over 1,500 foreign visitors across various destinations, highlighting the growing need for a stronger security presence in tourism sites.

“To give you the data, for the year 2025, we have a total of 335,624 domestic arrivals in the province and also 1,584 foreigners who officially visited our province and the different tourist destinations,” he shared.

Acob added that several barangays were identified by the regional headquarters as possible sites for the unit, with the main office proposed to be established near McDonald’s in Tabuk City, alongside a tourist police assistance desk.

“So meron din tayong mga barangays set by the regional headquarters to establish the unit in the province. For the location—the proposed location of the unit ay dito po sa tabi ng McDo kasi yun na lang daw ang available na lot, including a tourist police assistance desk. Another unit will also be established in Tinglayan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Acob also reported that no tourist-related incidents involving local or foreign visitors have been recorded so far. However, he stressed the need to further strengthen security measures as tourism continues to grow in the province.

The proposal is still being finalized, with ongoing coordination between the PNP, provincial government, and other concerned agencies before the unit becomes fully operational.