Isko Moreno wants stricter implementation of security protocol in banks, pawnshops

MANILA, Philippines — After the bank robbery in Binondo, Manila on Thursday, Manila Mayor Isko Moreno said he will ask the city council to draft an ordinance that would enforce stricter implementation of a security protocol in financial establishments.

Speaking in a press briefing at the Manila City Hall on Friday, Moreno said the ordinance would mandate the prohibition of helmets, bull cap, face masks, and “anything that will cover the face” when entering financial institutions like banks or pawnshops in Manila.

He said this will speed up the identification of possible criminals.

While there is already an existing security procedure in banks, the Manila mayor said the ordinance would put more pressure on establishments to follow the protocol.

“Ganun lang kasimple yun (It’s that simple), if there will be a law in the City of Manila, the next time around you violate it, e masasara yung establisment mo (your establishement will be closed), and I’m pretty sure the penalty will be closure of establishment,” he explained.

On Thursday, five men robbed Metrobank’s branch in Binondo.

Police noted that the robbers were able to enter the bank before banking hours, which Police Brig. Gen Vicente Danao, chief of the Manila Police District, said is “unusual.”

READ: Police puzzled by Manila bank robbers’ timing 

According to Danao, authorities are still in the process of establishing the identity of the suspects.

Moreno has offered P1 million for any information that would lead to the arrest of the robbers. /ee

READ: Isko Moreno offers P1M reward for arrest of suspects in Binondo bank robbery