Makati wants more cops to curb crimes

MANILA, Philippines - Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay is asking the Philippine National Police (PNP) to send more police officers to prevent crimes, saying the 560-strong Makati police force is grossly inadequate to serve the city’s daytime population of over four million.

In his letter to PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima, Binay cited that for the past few months, his office has been receiving reports and complaints from residents, workers and other stakeholders in Makati about rampant crimes, particularly robberies and bag snatchings that happen even in broad daylight.

He also mentioned a statement by Makati police chief Senior Superintendent Manuel Lukban that the city police cannot prevent petty crimes in the country’s financial center.

“Coming from the police chief himself, this statement should be taken seriously,” Binay said. “It is apparent that the current size of our police force is grossly inadequate to provide security and protection for a highly urbanized city like Makati.”

He said the city has a nighttime population of 529,039, which balloons to over four million during daytime because of the influx of transients such as workers, traders, students, tourists and shoppers going to the central business district and nearby areas.

“With only 560 police personnel at present, the ratio of police to nighttime population is 1:945 (one policeman for 945 persons), while police to daytime population is 1:10,714 (one policeman for 10,714 persons),” Binay said.