Anti-crime posters now in Mandarin

Makati City’s “Yari Ka” posters against robbery and hold-up syndicates are now being posted near hotels, business establishments, and foreign embassies in English, Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Japanese languages.

Authorities decided to put up translated versions of the material yesterday based on requests by foreign business owners and executives in the locality where there are hundreds of foreign firms with foreign clients.

Inspired by a phrase popularized by veteran comedian Michael V., the Makati City Police started posting “Yari Ka” posters two weeks ago to increase the public’s awareness on how they can prevent themselves from being robbed or held-up by simply remembering the two words.

“The letters of the words ‘yari ka’ are given corresponding meanings that will help prevent hold-ups or robberies. We also have the picture of the comics character ‘ghostrider’ to further catch attention,” said Makati City Police chief Senior Superintendent Gilbert Cruz.

The letters of the phrase “Yari Ka,” written in bold red letters, stand for a number of guidelines, tips, and warnings against how criminal elements operate and prey on the unsuspecting.

The sentence that starts with the letter “Y” in Filipino reminds readers to be careful in carrying cash or jewelry and advises them not to carry the same at all when not necessary.

“A” tells readers to be alert when on the street, particularly with hold-up men on motorcycles who make a quick getaway.

“R” calls on the public to file complaints if they are victimized by criminal elements because they would be helping themselves and others as well.

“I” warns pedestrians against walking in deserted areas with poor lighting.

“K” alerts the public against suspicious persons who seem to be following them around and advises them to call the attention of a police officer, security guard, or any law enforcer.

“A” reminds the public that those who just withdrew large amounts of money from banks are more likely to be held-up or robbed when they leave the bank premises.

More than a thousand waterproof notices or warnings bearing the slogan were scattered all over the country’s financial and business capital.

Cruz said expanding the information drive by coming up with English, Chinese, Korean and Japanese versions seeks to target foreign nationals who also visit and do business in the country.

“It has to be catchy. Sometimes, we have to make use of these themes to catch the public’s attention and make them read,” Cruz told The STAR.

Cruz said he had more than a thousand copies of the original Tagalog poster printed and posted in banks, automated teller machine (ATM) booths, schools, churches, and shopping malls, while several hundreds more in Chinese and Japanese are also being put up.

The materials will likewise be placed in convenience stores, pawnshops, and other business establishments and public places like bus and jeepney terminals. 

Cruz said “Yari Ka” posters also tell the public to call emergency 168 or the Makati City Police at 8874626 or 0919-3342033 when in need of immediate assistance.