Manila peace, order ‘Yorme’ priority

Incoming Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has pledged to restore order to the city, issuing a warning to criminals to leave Manila.

Domagoso made the vow during recent town hall meetings held during his campaign, repeatedly promising to target criminal activity.

He expressed concern over what he described as a deteriorating crime situation in the city, citing daytime snatchings and street robberies.

In an interview, Domagoso asserted that criminals were deterred during his previous term, noting that many incidents that gained attention on social media resulted in arrests.

He attributed this success to retired Police Lt. Col. Rosalino Ibay Jr., whom he appointed to lead the Manila Police District-Special Mayor’s Reaction Team (MPD-SMaRT), a unit directly under his supervision.

The incoming mayor praised the MPD-SMaRT for its effectiveness, highlighting its continued operation even during the city’s initial pandemic lockdown, which he cited as a model for other local government units.

He pointed to the unit’s success in implementing difficult tasks in the densely populated Tondo district.

Domagoso also lauded Ibay, who retired from the Philippine National Police at age 50 and subsequently won a city council seat.

Meantime, the incoming mayor faces a challenge upon his return to office, as he will be taking over a city with a high crime index. He is scheduled to assume office on 1 July, following the term ending of outgoing Mayor Honey Lacuna on 30 June.