The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) of the Philippines recently announced the initiation of a 24-hour armed patrol mechanism in areas with high concentrations of foreigners, such as Manila's Chinatown, Bonifacio Global City (BGC), and the Makati Financial District, in response to the recent spate of kidnapping cases. This enhanced security measure includes a mix of uniformed and plainclothes officers, aimed at creating a comprehensive security network.
Security Upgrades in Key Areas
Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., the commander of the Capital Region Police, revealed at a press conference on the 16th that this security upgrade was a direct response to the shocking kidnapping cases of Chinese businessmen that recently alarmed the community. In early October, prominent Chinese businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo were unfortunately killed after being kidnapped in Manila, causing great unrest within the Chinese community.
"We have implemented round-the-clock patrols in sensitive areas such as Chinatown in Binondo, the Malate tourist area, and the BGC financial center," said Major General Nartatez, "and deployed specially trained plainclothes detectives to enhance the identification of suspicious activities." Police data indicate a significant rise in crime rates in these areas, with kidnappings increasing by 35% year-over-year.
Innovative Community-Police Collaboration Mechanisms
In addition to enhanced patrols, the NCRPO has also introduced customized security services for the Chinese community:
Exclusive Service Desk for the Chinese Community: The first pilot is set up at the Binondo district police station, equipped with Chinese translators to handle reports and inquiries from the Chinese community.
Rapid Response Channel: Cases involving Chinese individuals will initiate a priority handling process.
Business Security Alliance: The police will establish direct contact groups with various Chinese business associations.
"We understand that language and cultural barriers may affect the efficiency of reporting crimes," Major General Nartatez emphasized during an inspection of the Quezon City transportation hub, "These service desks will be manned by officers proficient in Chinese to ensure unimpeded communication."
The police have also added 12 mobile police stations around Chinatown, each equipped with four fully armed SWAT officers. Additionally, the number of surveillance cameras in the BGC area has increased by 40%, all linked to the police command center.
Long-Term Security Mechanism Development
Lieutenant General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the Chief of the Philippine National Police, stated that this action is not a short-term measure but will evolve into a normalized security mechanism. The police plan to:
Assess crime data in various districts monthly and dynamically adjust police deployment.
Provide security audit services for commercial establishments.
Conduct cross-cultural law enforcement training to enhance officers' ability to serve diverse communities.
Manila's Chinese community leader, Mr. Cai Qiren, welcomed the security upgrades: "This demonstrates the police's commitment to the safety of the Chinese community, and we will cooperate with the police to maintain community safety." It is reported that the Chinese business groups have pledged to fund 2 million pesos to improve police equipment.
The police urge the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any suspicious activities by dialing the 117 emergency hotline or through the "e-Sumbong" online reporting platform. As the Christmas shopping season approaches, security measures will be further strengthened based on changes in pedestrian flow.
