Three x-ray machines have been installed in the province’s major seaports in a bid to tighten security for the upcoming Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meetings in April.

According to Engr. James Gantalao, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA)-Tagbilaran manager, the agency provided the x-ray machine for the capital’s pier terminal.

The two other machines are installed in the ports of Tubigon and Jagna, he added.

PPA officials have been moving to implement measures against the entry of contraband particularly those that threaten peace and order at the pier terminals.

The machines will support the expected additional security forces which will be deployed in Bohol seaports to ensure the safety of the ASEAN delegates.

Gantalao said that the security personnel which will be dispatched soon are currently undergoing training.

A dry run of operations is expected to be carried out during the last week of March, the port official added.

Meanwhile, efforts to clean the periphery of seaports and other areas have started as ordered by Governor Edgar Chatto.

Cleaning operations have been concentrated at the towns of Dauis and Panglao where the foreign dignitaries are expected to visit.

Last month, organizers of the ASEAN conferences in the country this year inspected the province ahead of the Bohol leg in the yearlong event.

Undersecretary Anthony Alcantara, ASEAN 2017 National Organizing Committee deputy director general for operations, led the ocular inspection of possible venues which will host the foreign delegates.

There will be around 118 ASEAN conferences throughout the year and 2 leaders’ meetings which will be held in April and November, said Alcantara. (Allen Doydora)