Makati banks urged to provide security services to clients

Bank managers and bank security chiefs in Makati City are now being asked to ensure the safety and security of their clients inside and outside bank premises particularly those who withdraw large amounts of cash.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod is also being asked to pass a local law which would require bank officials to install Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras outside their establishments.

Makati City police chief, Superintendent Gilbert Cruz, said he sent bank advisories to some 400 different banks located within the territorial jurisdiction of the country’s business and financial capital.

According to him, his letter reminds bank managers and security chiefs of their responsibility to provide security to their depositors even after a client leaves the building.

“Because of instances wherein hold-ups or robberies happen after  he exits a bank, I took the initiative of writing them letters that remind them of their part in ensuring the safety and security of depositors,” Cruz told The Star.

“We are reminding bank managers and security chiefs to immediately report to us if their guards see suspicious people or vehicles outside their establishments,” he said.

“We are also reminding them that clients withdrawing huge amounts of money can be provided security or offered a ride. Hindi kasi nila sinasabi eh,” he said.

Cruz said security personnel should also keep an eye at a client  even after he or she leaves the bank premises and boards a vehicle to see if someone appears to be tailing the depositor.

“We should take care of our clients. I signed the bank advisory myself, gave my personal number and the phone number of the nearest police station. I also gave them copies of our Criminal Modus Operandi video,” he said.

Cruz said that banks should have CCTV cameras installed not only inside their buildings but also outside so that what is happening around the establishment can likewise be monitored.

“I have recommended to the City Council to pass an ordinance which will require banks to install these surveillance cameras,” he said noting that no such law has been enacted up to now despite incidents of robberies and hold-ups outside banks.

Just two weeks ago, robbers held-up a former business executive in Parañaque City and fled with $9,000 and P30,000 in cash which the victim withdrew from a Metrobank branch in Kabihasnan, Barangay San Dionisio.