Tensions between the city governments of Makati and Taguig are escalating once again as the former warned the latter of having ‘blood on its hands’ should their ongoing clash over the Makati Park and Garden lead to violence.
Taguig City ordered the temporary closure of the property on Sunday, citing lack of necessary permits. Makati City responded saying that this move essentially trapped some of its employees inside while personnel from the Taguig Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) “began massing up in front of the park.”
“We received information that they will once again attempt to occupy Makati park. Should there be violence, it will be blood on Taguig’s hands,” Makati City said in its statement. It added that resorting to violence is against the law and must have no place in our modern society.
“The Taguig authorities should be censured by the concerned national agencies. For our part, Makati will take all necessary steps to protect and preserve our property,” Makati City said further.
The Makati Park and Garden is situated in Barangays West Rembo and Cembo, which were previously under the jurisdiction of Makati City, but now belong to Taguig City following a final Supreme Court decision to settle their boundary dispute in 2023.
Taguig City explained that its actions were in accordance with the Local Government Code, jurisprudence and ordinances to regulate any business, trade, or activity within its territory. “Makati Garden and Park has no permits from Taguig City Hall,” it said in its own statement.
“The said park and garden, which has been effectively closed as a park by Makati and used as garage for its heavy equipment and storage for various objects, is subject to Taguig’s jurisdiction, which has the right to possess and administer the same notwithstanding Makati’s unlawful possession,” Taguig City added.
In September 2022, the Supreme Court rejected Makati’s Motion for Reconsideration assailing its 2021 decision which placed the Fort Bonifacio Military Reservation and 10 of the so-called ‘Enlisted Men’s Barrios’ (EMBO) under the territory of Taguig City.
The EMBO barangays include the villages of Cembo, Comembo, Pembo, East Rembo, West Rembo, South Cembo, Pitogo, Post Proper Northside, Post Proper Southside, and Rizal.