Philippines: Robbery Incident Involving a Japanese National (Near Central Square Mall, Makati City)

Philippines: Robbery Incident Involving a Japanese National (Near Central Square Mall, Makati City)

Key Points

•On the night of October 27, an armed robbery involving a Japanese national occurred on the street near Central Square Mall, Makati City, Metro Manila.

•Please exercise utmost caution when walking at night. If confronted by robbers, prioritize your safety and do not resist.

•Be aware that similar crimes tend to increase as the Christmas season approaches, and exercise extra caution when out and about.

Details

1.Incident Overview

•Date & Time: October 27 (Sunday), around 10:00 p.m.

•Location: Sidewalk near Central Square Mall, Makati City

•Incident: While waiting for a taxi, the Japanese victim was approached by a group of five, one of whom brandished a gun-like object and demanded the victim’s bag. The individual complied without resistance, surrendering a bag containing a wallet, passport, and other belongings.

2.Precautionary Measures

•Avoid Nighttime Walking: Nighttime and early mornings see a higher incidence of crime, a trend that often increases during the Christmas season in the Philippines. Consider vehicle transport even for short distances, and exercise extreme caution if walking is unavoidable.

•If Confronted by Robbers: Assume that the assailant may be armed and do not resist. Prioritize your safety and act calmly. When handing over valuables, avoid sudden movements like reaching into pockets or bags, which could be mistaken as an attempt to resist. Instead, verbally indicate where the items are located or point with a finger, allowing the assailant to retrieve them.

•Minimize Carrying Valuables: When going out, limit belongings to essential items and distribute valuables across different locations on your person to reduce potential loss.