Makati steps up drive vs rising cases of crime

MANILA, Philippines - Alarmed over the recent upsurge in crimes in the city, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay on Monday ordered city police chief, Sr. Supt. Manuel Lukban,  to step up police visibility operations.

Binay’s order came in the wake of the snatching of a gold bracelet in Barangay Bangkal, robberies inside jeepneys plying Chino Roces Avenue, and the recent P10-million robbery of a Filipino-Chinese businesswoman in Barangay Kasilawan.

Binay said the spate of crimes in these areas was alarming and should be curbed the soonest time possible.

“The city government aims for a crime-free environment wherein the people can roam the city streets without feeling afraid that they would be victimized by criminal elements. This remains my prime commitment,” he said.

Binay ordered Lukban to immediately deploy more policemen and patrol cars to increase police visibility in crime-prone areas in the city. 

Last May, Binay ordered Lukban to expedite the deployment of bus marshals in buses that ply Buendia Avenue, as well as intensify foot patrol for monitoring and intelligence gathering.

In the Barangay Kasilawan robbery, six still unidentified men barged into the home of Filipino-Chinese businesswoman Lourdes Chua, hogtied her and her stay-in employees.

The robbers then also disarmed the security guard before carting away some P10 million in cash and jewelry and 13 guns from the house.

The robbers then fled aboard Chua’s Mazda Friendee (RCV-125) and Ford Expedition (POQ-740) with two of her employees as hostages.

Police said the robbers left the two employees in Chua’s Mazda, which they abandoned in Baras, Rizal. Lukban said they are now closing in on the suspects.

Last April, the city government turned over to PNP-Makati 15 new mobile patrol cars  to enhance the visibility and response capability of the city police force.

The city government has likewise increased the number of closed circuit teleivision cameras (CCTVs) at the city’s central business district from 11 to 115 to include other major thoroughfares.

Meanwhile, Binay also encouraged the public to participate in the crime-prevention efforts of the city by reporting unusual occurrences or suspicious personalities in the neighborhood.

“Residents and stakeholders also share in the responsibility of keeping the city safe and peaceful,” he said. It is their civic duty to help keep the community peaceful, just as they are obliged to keep the environment clean,”  he said.