More fun–and more cops–in Makati’s nightspot ‘triangle’

Citing the growing number of tourists, the Makati police said it had increased its presence in the city’s nightspot “triangle,” or the area covered by Burgos Street, Makati and Kalayaan Avenues.

Senior Supt. Manuel Lukban, the city police chief, said about 20 additional policemen had been deployed and more outposts had been set up to deter crimes targeting visitors.

Security guards of the various bars and restaurants were also given fresh training to serve as force multipliers for the lawmen, he said.

Lukban noted an increase in the number of tourists in the area, which on average attracts up to 300 nighttime visitors on weekdays and about 500 on weekends and holidays.

The area is host to more than 160 establishments, including girlie bars, restaurants, hotels, inns, fast-food chains and money changers, among others.

The local police have enlisted the support of 60 private security guards and civilian volunteers from Bantay Bayan of Barangay Poblacion, where most of the bars are located.

Earlier, additional police assistance desks were also set up at malls in the city’s central business district (CBD).  City Hall is also installing 200 more security cameras in the CBD and the Burgos-Makati Avenue-Kalayaan triangle, augmenting the 115 units already in place.  Niña P. Calleja