Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has assured residents that the city government will strengthen security measures in Barangay Central and Barangay Pinyahan following concerns raised by a resident over alleged declining public safety, sanitation, and livability in the area.
In a response to the concerned resident, Belmonte apologized for the anxiety caused by recent developments and said she takes the issue of public safety seriously.
“I’m sorry that recent developments have made you feel unsafe in our own city, enough to consider moving elsewhere,” Belmonte said. “This is something I take very seriously, because the safety of our people is an integral part of the progress we are working so hard to achieve.”
Belmonte said she immediately sought information from the concerned city offices after receiving the resident’s letter.
According to data from the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) cited by the mayor, petty crime incidents in the area have decreased compared with the previous year. In Barangay Pinyahan, seven theft cases were recorded from January to August 2026, down from 22 cases during the same period in 2025. All seven cases have reportedly been solved.
Meanwhile, Barangay Central recorded seven theft incidents and three robbery cases during the same period. Belmonte said all of the cases had been solved except for a recent theft incident, although authorities had already identified a person of interest.
The mayor said the QCPD has also intensified patrol operations in the two barangays, with additional personnel deployed along NIA Road.
As an additional security measure, the city government will establish a police outpost in the area to increase police visibility and provide a more immediate response to incidents.
Belmonte also addressed concerns regarding the presence of street dwellers along NIA Road, explaining that many families were displaced by a major fire in the area on March 6, which affected around 3,000 families.
She said most of the displaced families have already been temporarily relocated while the city government works on a permanent housing project. Around 100 families reportedly remain in the area as their assistance claims undergo processing and validation.
“We have had to balance humanitarian responsibility to displaced families with legitimate concerns over peace and order—and we take both seriously,” Belmonte said.
The mayor also said the city government acted on concerns regarding garbage accumulation and roadside vendors. An illegal junkshop was discovered in the area and was reportedly cleared over the weekend after authorities determined that it was attracting scavengers and contributing to the buildup of waste along NIA Road.
The city government has likewise opened discussions with vendors to relocate them to an area that would be less disruptive to residents and motorists.
Belmonte further instructed the concerned barangays to maintain close coordination with the city government in addressing the resident’s concerns.
“We are also forwarding your letter to the barangays concerned, with clear instructions that their coordination with the City Government must remain open and constant,” she said.
The mayor reiterated that the city government would continue implementing measures aimed at maintaining public safety, peace and order, sanitation, and the overall welfare of Quezon City residents.
