A new armed robbery occurred in the heart of Makati City, Metro Manila, where a Japanese national fell victim. This marks the fifth such incident in the past month within the metropolitan area. These consecutive crimes have been reported in districts with a large population of foreigners, including Japanese residents, increasing the danger of nighttime outings.
According to the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines, the latest incident happened on November 7 around 8:45 PM on Chino Roces Avenue, near the Makati Medical Center.
Two Japanese nationals were walking when a group of three approached them. One of the robbers pulled on the shoulder bag of one victim. Despite attempting to resist by tripping the robber, the victim fell, hitting their head on the ground, and the bag was forcibly taken. The other Japanese individual, threatened with what appeared to be a handgun, did not resist and handed over their bag.
The incident took place near a commercial area just five minutes by car from “Makati Central Square”, home to several Japanese restaurants. A similar robbery had occurred recently in the vicinity.
The Makati Medical Center is frequently visited by foreigners, including Japanese patients, as it has a Japan Desk offering services in Japanese.
Since October 19, five armed robberies targeting Japanese nationals have been reported. Four incidents occurred in central Makati City, an area where many Japanese expatriates live, while one took place in Parañaque City near the casino district, including the integrated resort “Okada Manila.”
Initially, the incidents were reported around the “Greenbelt” commercial complex and near Makati Central Square. This month, another robbery took place near Jupiter Street, close to the building housing the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI).
The Japanese Embassy in the Philippines has issued a warning, noting that crime rates tend to increase during the Christmas season. Residents, tourists, and business travelers are urged to maintain a high level of awareness regarding safety. Visitors, in particular, may lack familiarity with the area, making them easy targets.
On November 8, in Pasay City, located between Makati and Parañaque, local police arrested a man suspected of being part of a street robbery gang. However, any connection to the ongoing incidents remains unclear.
The recent spate of crimes appears to be targeting Japanese, and there are concerns that other non-Japanese expatriates might also be victims.
Given that the Philippines has a widespread gun culture, legally registered firearms are accessible to civilians, but unregistered and homemade guns are also prevalent and often used in crimes. Although central Makati is a common residential area for Japanese expatriates, it is advised to avoid nighttime walks for the time being as a precautionary measure.
