LAW enforcers in Makati City are working at a three-cornered
effort with barangays and the private sector to secure the city from criminals
and terrorists, an initiative that the Southern Police District hopes will be
replicated in other areas.
Makati police yesterday tightened security measures at the
city's central business district, particularly at the offices of the three main
oil firms, in anticipation of possible protest actions over the series of fuel
prices hikes in recent days.
Although authorities said they have not monitored any
terrorist threats, police also increased its visibility in areas where some 53
embassies and consulates are located with the launch yesterday of the "Makati
CBD Police."
Makati police chief Supt. Gilbert Cruz said security teams
composed of two uniformed cops, a uniformed security personnel from Barangay San
Lorenzo Bantay Bayan, and a security guard from the Ayala Center Association
will patrol Ayala Center from EDSA to Arnaiz, Paseo de Roxas and Ayala avenues
daily from 9 a.m. to 3 a.m., using police visibility to deter criminality and
terrorism.
Cruz said the central business district will be divided into
six sectors, each of which will be monitored by the security teams. He said
chokepoints will also be set up by Makati CBD Police within the six sectors to
prevent entry and escape of criminal elements in malls, hotels, and other
private, public and corporate establishments in the district.
Cruz said suspicious-looking persons in outlying alleys and
streets within the center will be monitored, and vehicles will be inspected to
secure the center in the evening.
Southern Police District chief Supt. Luizo Ticman said he is planning to
replicate the scheme in other key areas in the southern part of Metro Manila.
"This is the first time security efforts from the local police, the barangay
community and the private sector are synergized. I am hopeful that this
initiative from the Makati Police will succeed and will be replicated by other
key areas in the metropolis," he said. - Ashzel Hachero
