MANILA MAYOR Francisco “Isko” Moreno Domagoso has ordered the city police to heighten visibility in the University Belt to ensure safety in the area, the site of major academic institutions, including the University of Santo Tomas.
During his command conference at the Manila Police District two days after assuming office, Domagoso cited the need to deploy law enforcers around Manila universities, citing an earlier directive by Philippine National Police chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III.
“There will be police visibility, especially in University Belt, in the likes of España area and Taft Avenue,” he said last Wednesday, July 2.
Domagoso said checkpoints would be set up in various districts to ensure police presence in areas and periods prone to criminal activity.
“There is effort, in our own little way, to have more checkpoints. Whenever possible, whenever we can, keep on striking. If there are police officers in the morning, if possible, there should also be police seen at night. That’s the direction,” the mayor said.
Metro Manila’s crime rate fell by 23.13% year-on-year during the six-month period from November 23, 2024, to May 23, 2025, according to the National Capital Region Police Office.
However, Manila was named the fifth riskiest city for tourists among 60 ranked worldwide by the Forbes Advisor in July last year. The assessment covered metrics such as natural disaster, personal security and health security risk, wherein the capital city placed first, fifth and seventh highest, respectively.
Curfew for minors
Domagoso will also reinstate the 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. city-wide curfew for minors or those under 18 years old. He clarified that the curfew is a protective measure and does not aim to punish the youth.
“The concept of implementing it (curfew) is to care, and not be punitive as much as I can. it’s more on as a parent, you want the children to have an extra parent to care for their safety, for their well-being,” the mayor said.
Introduced in 2002, the curfew, which was contained in Ordinance 8046, will be enforced by the Manila Department of Social Welfare, Manila Risk Reduction Management Office and local barangays. The guardians of apprehended minors aged 15 years old and below will also be sanctioned, according to the ordinance.
Domagoso, who first served as Manila mayor from 2019 to 2022, imposed the curfew along with other mobility restrictions as part of the city’s COVID-19 response. F
