Philippines: Robbery Incident Involving a Japanese National Near Greenbelt Mall in Makati City

• On the night of October 19, a robbery involving a Japanese national occurred near Greenbelt Mall in Makati City, Manila, where the perpetrators used what appeared to be a handgun.
• Please exercise extreme caution when walking at night.
• In the event of a robbery, prioritize your safety and do not resist under any circumstances.

1. Incident Details:

• Date and Time: Around 9:00 PM on Saturday, October 19
• Location: A Japanese national was walking on the sidewalk around Greenbelt Mall when a group of three approached, brandishing what looked like a handgun. Without resisting, the victim handed over a bag containing a wallet, passport, and other belongings.

2. Important Safety Reminders:

• (1) Crime rates tend to increase at night and early morning, and especially in the Philippines during the Christmas season. It is advisable to avoid walking at night whenever possible, even for short distances, and opt for vehicle transport instead. If walking is unavoidable, be extremely vigilant.
• (2) If confronted by robbers, assume they may be armed and do not resist. Focus on preserving your life and physical safety, and remain calm. For instance, if they demand valuables, avoid making sudden movements such as quickly reaching into your pocket or bag, which could be misinterpreted as a threat. Instead, verbally indicate where your belongings are, or use minimal hand gestures to guide the perpetrator.
• (3) When going out, carry only essential items and distribute valuables in different places to minimize potential losses in case of an incident.