Makati hits Taguig enforcers’ ‘forced entry’ in public park

MANILA, Philippines — The city government of Makati on Friday condemned the attempt of Taguig traffic enforcers to “forcibly” enter the Makati Park and Garden.

The public park is located in Barangay West Rembo, one of the 10 enlisted men’s barrio or “embo” barangays that are now under the jurisdiction of Taguig City.

In a statement, Makati said personnel of Taguig’s Traffic and Management Office attempted to “force their way into the city-owned park.”

Tension ensued when they were prevented from entering by personnel of Makati’s Public Safety Department.

“Taguig has once again proven that it is bent on grabbing property. They want to seize properties they do not own,” the Makati city government said in a statement.

“They want to indulge themselves in the investments made by the city government of Makati that were funded by the taxes of the citizens of Makati,” it added.

Makati also urged Taguig officials to instead pay attention to the basic needs of “embo” residents.

“This should be their (Taguig) priority. The citizens’ welfare should come first, not land-grabbing,” the Makati City government said.

In 2021 and 2023, the Supreme Court ruled in favor of Taguig, giving it the jurisdiction of the 10 “embo” barangays.

In October last year, Makati filed an urgent motion before a Taguig court, asking for a status quo order against Taguig due to its many attempts “to forcibly take possession of Makati-owned facilities.”

The Taguig city government has yet to issue a statement.