Mayor Abigail Binay has directed the Makati City Police to enhance security measures for the holiday season, particularly in the Central Business District (CBD).
The city’s chief executive also instructed the local police force to strengthen coordination with the private sector and barangay authorities to ensure the safety and well-being of residents, workers, traders, and visitors.
“The safety and security of our residents and other stakeholders are our top priorities. The city government is working closely with law enforcement and our private sector partners to make the Makati CBD a safe, vibrant space where people can thrive and enjoy the holiday season,” she stated.
The local government recently launched a comprehensive plan to improve security and maintain peace and order in the CBD in collaboration with the Makati Police, the Makati Central Estate Association (MACEA), the Makati Parking Authority (MAPA), and Ayala Land, Inc.
The plan includes increased patrol deployments by the Makati Police, the Makati Public Safety Department, barangay tanods, and personnel from MACEA.
Binay emphasized the importance of public-private partnerships in ensuring “swift and effective responses to any security concerns,” highlighting the need for coordinated efforts among barangay officials, property managers, and security teams throughout the business district.
“Regular consultations and collaborative meetings will be conducted to address emerging concerns and evaluate the effectiveness of ongoing security strategies,” she added.
For emergencies, the city government encourages the public to use the SOS feature of the Makatizen App or call the Makati Command Center at 168. These platforms provide fast and reliable assistance for urgent issues.
“Our efforts extend beyond immediate concerns. We are dedicated to sustaining a safe and inclusive environment for all Makatizens, ensuring that Makati remains a model city of safety and innovation,” she mentioned.
Binay’s sister, Senator Nancy Binay, earlier appealed to Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Marbil to expedite the addition of police units to address the rising crime rate in Makati.
The elder Binay urged police officials to allocate more personnel to the country’s financial capital, citing alarming reports of criminal activities such as robbery, theft, drug-related offenses, and other petty crimes.
“As the financial capital of the Philippines, it is crucial that we maintain peace and order in Makati, where not only locals but also expatriates and various visitors frequent the many commercial establishments, offices, and embassies throughout the day and night,” the senator stated.
Residents have repeatedly expressed concerns about the increasing crime rate in the city.
Currently, Makati has only 512 police personnel serving a daytime population of 4,200,000 and a nighttime population of 280,150. This results in a police-to-population ratio of approximately one officer for every 17,004 residents during the day and one officer for every 1,134 residents at night.
Police authorities have indicated that they are stretched thin, with officers patrolling three barangays—Bel-Air, Poblacion, and Guadalupe Viejo—each night. Guadalupe Viejo is one of Makati’s most densely populated areas, while Poblacion is known for its vibrant nightlife.