Tighter security ordered at Greenhills Shopping Center

The San Juan police and the management of the Greenhills Shopping Center have agreed to conduct joint security operations in the bustling commercial center during the celebration of Oktoberfest this month and the Christmas season.

Superintendent Rodelio Jocson, San Juan police chief, said there’s a need for tighter security at the Greenhills Shopping Center because of the large crowd gathered for Oktoberfest, which is being held at the Strip since the first week of this month.

"We want to avoid violence like what happened in the past in concerts in Metro Manila, so we asked management to augment our police units with security guards," said Jocson.

Joey Santos, general manager of the Greenhills Shopping Center agreed to place at least 300 security guards at the disposal of the local police force.

A police car will man every corner of the Oktoberfest site while police detectives will patrol the area for drug addicts and other unruly gangs.

"We will also prevent drug pushers from plying their trade," said Jocson, noting that violence is often ignited by young people high on drugs.

The San Juan police chief said he and Santos have also agreed on the terms of the security plan in the area this Christmas season.

"We expect petty criminals to linger in the area during the Christmas rush so we have taken advance security preparations," said Jocson.

Jocson added that he will double security at the commercial center in the coming days to prevent criminal elements from victimizing shoppers and stall owners. — Non Alquitran