PNP secures EMBO park amid tense Makati-Taguig feud

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it will deploy a sufficient number of police officers to the park which has been the subject of escalating tensions between the cities of Makati and Taguig.

In a press briefing in Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said both cities are maintaining their presence at the vicinity of the Makati Park and Garden in Barangay West Rembo.

Fajardo clarified, however, that determining which local government unit (LGU) owns the facility is out of the police's turf.

"As to the question of ownership and management, we will leave it to the concerned LGUs to discuss this and resolve this in the proper forum. On the part of the PNP like I have mentioned, we will maintain peace and order in the area and we are prepared to enforce the law if the need arises," she said.

On Sunday, the Taguig City government ordered the closure of the park for allegedly operating without the necessary permit.

It said the move is in line with city government's authority "under the Local Government Code, jurisprudence, and local ordinances" to regulate any business, trade, or activity within its territory.

On the other hand, the Makati City government said it "will take all necessary steps to protect and preserve" the property that is legally titled to them.

"Sa pagpapakita ng labis na pwersa, malinaw na gustong manakot ng Taguig. Ngunit hindi magpapasindak ang Makati. Hindi namin uurungan ang isang bully," the Makati LGU said in a statement Sunday.

(By displaying excessive force, it is clear that Taguig intends to inflict fear. But Makati will not back down. We won't be intimidated by a bully.)

The Supreme Court have ruled that EMBO (enlisted men's barrio) villages are now under Taguig's jurisdiction. (PNA)