Manila intensifies police visibility

Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso has ordered the Manila Police District (MPD) to ensure maximum police presence across the city’s commercial and public areas, anticipating a potential rise in crime incidents as the holiday season approaches.

Speaking during the Manila Peace and Order Council’s fourth-quarter meeting on Thursday, Domagoso directed the MPD to strictly comply with the mandate from Philippine National Police (PNP) Acting Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. for heightened police visibility in public spaces.

“Let us follow Gen. Nartatez’s order that the police should be on the streets, visible, and felt by the people,” Domagoso said.

The mayor instructed the MPD to deploy additional personnel and conduct round-the-clock patrols in high-density areas, including Binondo, Recto, Quiapo, Ermita, Malate and the University Belt.

“Now that Christmas is approaching, let’s ensure police presence on the streets. Not just in the precincts, but in the places where the people are,” Domagoso said.

The directive is part of the mayor’s strategy to strengthen public safety. His administration earlier reported a 9.2 percent increase in the MPD’s crime solution efficiency rate during his first 100 days in office, which he attributed to the intensified law and order campaign.