Over 700—as of last count—“concerned residents, expats, business owners, employees and families” of upscale Salcedo Village, Barangay Bel-Air in Makati City have written Mayor Abigail Binay seeking immediate action on what they described as “the recent and rising criminality on our streets that has victimized many of our residents, as well as employees working in various business establishments in the area.”
According to the appeal, Salcedo Village denizens have been witnessing, since the start of the pandemic, an unprecedented and alarming increase of theft, robbery, snatching and kidnapping incidents around the area, many of which have happened in broad daylight in what used to be one of the most peaceful enclaves of the city.
These incidents include: the snatching of the bag of a Lafayette 1 resident by men on motorcycles at her condominium driveway; the stealing of a lady’s wallet at the Salcedo market on the morning of July 12, 2021; the kidnapping of an Asian national just a few meters away from her condominium building; several cars being broken into near Makati Sports Club by bogus delivery guys (disguised as Grab or Foodpanda delivery partners) using equipment to break car windows; and the snatching of a bag of a senior citizen while she was on her way to buy food before the 8 p.m. curfew (she had to be treated in the hospital for cuts and bruises after being dragged several feet by snatchers on motorcycles).
There were also several incidents of bicycle theft; the bold snatching of cellphones in the day and early evening (some at the same time and same location); and last month, another lady was pushed from behind by men on motorbikes, while she was strolling on Tordesillas street.
“The men pushed her down on the road, held her waist tightly then grabbed her mobile phone,” the letter said. “Despite having two vans chasing, they escaped through the one-way traffic on Leviste St.”
The most recent happened two weeks ago at 6:55 p.m. when three customers eating outside Ramen Nagi along Valero St. were held up by gun-wielding men.
“The men riding-in-tandem held up the diners at gunpoint,” the letter added.
So what are the Salcedo Village stakeholders asking for?
Because of these events, several of them brainstormed on some possible solutions to keep their families and community safe during the pandemic and, as such, are asking authorities to set up barriers and gates on all roads leading to and out of Salcedo Village and manned by guards who will check all entering and exiting individuals, especially after 8 p.m.
They also want the immediate installation of additional lights on all village streets and CCTVs in every corner, and the the hiring of additional roving and stationed security personnel—barangay watchmen and the Makati Central Estate Association Inc. (Macea) guards—in strategic areas with high crime rate, as well as the doubling of mobile patrols (ideally passing each area every 30 minutes).
Other recommendations include the installation of additional speed bumps and bollards that can block motorcycles; condominium boards to help guards actively monitor and report anything suspicious and assist in stopping crime when possible; 24-hour security check at the pedestrian bridge between Gil Puyat Ave. and De la Costa Street; and the temporary setting up of a few police mini outposts in key parts of the village.
They are also suggesting that the barangay satellite office be manned by office staff so all watchmen on duty shall focus as roving guards.
Finally, they are asking for “clear and transparent” delineation of security responsibilities and areas among Macea, Makati Parking Authority (Mapa), barangay watchmen and the police.
“Many of us have been raising complaints and suggestions the past 18 months, but were often passed on from the property managers or building administrators to the barangay, to Macea, to Mapa, and then to the city government,” they said. “It is often a complex and confusing toss around.”
Frustrated, they are now asking the mayor to convene a Salcedo Security Accountability Task Force with all key stakeholders, including representatives of residents, where roles, responsibilities and deliverables can be clarified to ensure the safety and security of all who live and work in this area.
“We hope this can be chaired by you, and cochaired by a resident representative,” they told Binay. Next step? Abangan!
— Daxim L. Lucas INQ
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