Manileños urge Isko Moreno to reinstate night patrols, stricter safety measures

Graph by Vince Alfred Pillagara 

With Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso returning as Manila City mayor for the 2025–2028 term, residents called on him to revive his nightly patrols, known as “ronda,” and impose stricter safety measures to curb the city’s persistent crime issues. 

Domagoso, who previously held the post from 2019 to 2022, was succeeded by Mayor Maria Sheila “Honey” Lacuna-Pangan during the pandemic recovery years. However, with crime incidents like theft, snatching, and public disturbances reportedly increasing in some areas, many are eager for Domagoso’s brand of leadership to make a comeback, which residents described was marked by direct action and constant visibility. 

Contrary to their request, data obtained from the Manila Police District showed that a total of 5,893 crimes were logged across all 14 police stations from 2019 to 2022, which was Domagoso’s term, while 3,536 crimes were recorded during Lacuna’s term from 2022 to 2025.  

Theft was the most prevalent crime recorded at 2,287 during Domagoso’s first term, followed by robbery (1,105), physical injury (811), rape (659), motorcycle theft (445), and murder (353). Those significantly lower were on car theft (98), homicide (66) and complex crimes (15).  

Graph by Vince Alfred Pillagara 

During Lacuna’s stint as Mayor, theft remained the most prevalent crime at 1,337, along with rape (629), robbery (514), physical injury (348), motorcycle theft (305), murder (206), homicide (77), car theft (72), and complex crimes (8). 

Graph by Vince Alfred Pillagara  

Sherilyn Barcelo, a barangay health worker in Ermita, urged the mayor-elect to bring back his late-night inspections and increase the visibility of law enforcers in crime-prone areas. 

“Si Isko every night umiikot, ‘di ba? Nagro-roaming… lalo sa mga lugar na madidilim or prone talaga sa crime,” Barcelo said, recalling the heightened sense of safety during Domagoso’s first term.  

“Nag-iikot siya like [sa] Divisoria… ‘Yun ‘yung kinaibahan nilang [Domagoso and Lacuna] dalawa.” 

Barcelo, who has lived in Manila since 2019, said she did not feel the same security under Lacuna’s leadership.  

“Hindi ko kasi naramdaman ‘yung serbisyo ni Lacuna… Mas marami kasi ‘yung record ng nakawan, agawan ng cellphone, dukutan,” she said. 

Meanwhile, Zenaida Batula, a 72-year-old laundry shop owner who has lived in Ermita since 1969, also echoed Barcelo’s sentiments, saying that she once witnessed regular patrols, both from the barangay and mobile police units, during Domagoso’s previous term. 

“N’ung araw, may mobile patrol na talagang umiikot sa gabi,” she said, “Ngayon, wala naman ako[ng] nakikita nang ganoon.” 

Police Station 5, situated in Ermita saw the highest count of crime during both Domagoso and Lacuna’s terms. A total of 975 crimes were recorded during Domagoso’s term and decreased to 640 during Lacuna’s. 

Similarly, 19-year-old college student Mackenzie Combalicer who walks through the streets of Recto on his way to school said he has once fallen victim to a hold-up incident within the area. 

“Nanakawan na ‘ko before so I think it’s so unsafe, so I think it’s better if mas secure [ang mga streets],” Combalicer said. 

Police Station 12 located in Delpan and Recto saw the lowest crime rates among the 14 police districts in Manila with 46 crimes during Domagoso’s term and just four total crimes committed during Lacuna’s term. 

Streetlights, CCTV, and more police outposts 

Residents also believe that more police presence and improved infrastructure, such as additional streetlights and closer police outposts, can help prevent crimes, especially in dark and isolated areas.  

Batula observed that the brightness and cleanliness of Manila, especially areas like Avenida and Luneta, significantly improved under Domagoso.  

“Kasi lumiwanag ‘yung kalsada, para talagang aware ka talaga sa safety mo,” she said. 

She now hopes that the renewed leadership will once again bring back stricter safety measures.  

“Kailangan mag-impose siya ng mobile patrol… I-assign niya ‘yung ganitong oras, patrol- patrol na kayo,” Batula said. 

For Barcelo, safety is not just about patrols but also about visible deterrents like streetlights and CCTV coverage.  

“Sana may mga police na naka-duty by area… para hindi na maghahanap pa ng police station ‘yung mga nabibiktima,” she added. 

Both residents agree that Domagoso’s return brings a renewed sense of trust, given his track record.  

“Kung nagawa niya before…mas magagawa niya ngayon…Malaking tulong din kasi alam n’ung mga bad guys na may gano’ng mayor na umiikot,” Barcelo said. 

For Combalicer, closing down entertainment establishments such as nightclubs and bars near schools can also help ensure safety for streets during the night, especially for the students. 

“Ipa-sara niya ‘yung mga bars and mga clubs, hindi sa naninira ng work ng mga working student but for safety ng ibang mga tao kasi may mga ibang lasing, may makita lang sila mapagti-trip-an na nila agad,” Combalicer said. 

“Isa siya sa mga nasa posisyon na, so may mga kakayahan siya na magbigay ng [batas] for safety ng [mga] student” he added. 

Domagoso, alongside his running mate, Angela Lei “Chi” Atienza will take over the capital city as mayor and vice mayor, respectively,on June 30, 2025. 

The Capital has reached out to Domagoso and Lacuna for comments but has yet to receive a response as of writing. Trisha Tamio and Johann Paulus Coronel