Philippines: Robbery Incident Involving Japanese Nationals Near Manila Bay, Parañaque City

Key Points

On the night of October 31, a robbery involving a firearm-like weapon targeted a Japanese national on a street near Manila Bay in northeastern Parañaque City, within Metro Manila.
Exercise extreme caution when walking at night.
In the event of a robbery, prioritize personal safety and avoid resistance.
As the Christmas season approaches, similar crimes may increase. Take extra care when going out.

Details

On the evening of October 31, an incident occurred on New Seaside Drive, near Manila Bay in northeastern Parañaque City, where two individuals on a motorcycle attempted to steal a shoulder bag from a Japanese national walking on a sidewalk near a large resort hotel.
- Date and Time: Thursday, October 31, around 7:00 p.m.
- Incident: As the Japanese national held tightly onto their bag, the assailant drew a firearm-like weapon, struck the victim’s hand with the grip, and pointed the weapon at them. The victim then released the bag.
Given that a similar incident recently took place in Makati City, Japanese residents, travelers, and business visitors in the Philippines are advised to keep the following points in mind:
- (1) Increased Risk During Nighttime and Early Morning: Crime rates tend to rise, particularly during the Christmas season in the Philippines. Limit walking at night and consider using a vehicle for even short distances. If walking is unavoidable, remain vigilant.
- (2) Do Not Resist During Robberies: Assume that assailants may be armed. Prioritize your life and safety by remaining calm. Avoid sudden movements, which could be misinterpreted as a counterattack. For instance, if asked to hand over valuables, verbally inform the assailant of their location (e.g., “It’s in my pocket”) or use a finger to indicate the item’s location to avoid sudden gestures.
- (3) Practice Preventive Measures: Walk on the inner part of sidewalks, away from the street, and carry bags on the side opposite to traffic. Minimize belongings, distribute valuables across various locations, and prepare for minimal loss in the event of theft. (In this case, while the victim’s bag containing their passport and wallet was stolen, the mobile phone was kept separately, and the wallet only contained minimal cash and an expendable credit card, limiting overall loss).