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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Mall managers, security agencies warned vs forcing guards to wear costumes

Mall managers, security agencies warned vs forcing guards to wear costumes

Published Dec 21, 2023 11:03 am

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PNP-SOSIA chief Brig. Gen. Gregory Bogñalbal explains why security guards, especially in malls and other business establishments, should not be allowed to wear themed outfits in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City. 

 

No “Santa Guards” please.

The Philippine National Police (PNP) called on mall managers and owners of other business establishments to refrain from forcing their respective security guards to wear Santa Claus costume or other themed outfits especially this Christmas season.

Police Brig. Gen. Gregory Bogñalbal, chief of the PNP- Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA), said the same warning was relayed to owners and managers of security agencies. 

Bogñalbal explained that aside from the fact that it is prohibited under the rules, allowing security guards to wear themed costumes may serve as an opportunity for criminal elements to take advantage of in pulling of illegal activities like robberies. 

“When we say proper uniform, it is the standard uniform of the security guards, nothing more, nothing less,” said Bogñalbal.

Wearing of proper security guard uniform, according to him, also comes with proper identification whch is essential in their line of job.

In case of emergency, he said security guards may not be able to perform their jobs if they are wearing themed vostumes due to identification issues. 

The PNP-SOSIA regulates the operations of security agencies, including keeping in check all the security guards detailed at different establishments across the country. 

Under Section 14 of Republic Act 5487 or the Private Security Agency Law, the “Chief of the Philippine Constabulary (now the PNP), through his duly authorized representative, shall prescribe the uniform or ornaments, equipment and paraphernalia to be worn by the security guards and watchmen throughout the Philippines.”

Police Col. Merquiodi Bodanio, chief of the SOSIA Enforcement Management Division warned that security guard officers caught wearing themed costumes will be fined P500 to P1,000 while the security agencies will be fined P10,000  for the first offense and P20,000 for the second offense.

Aside from the fines for each security guard, Bodanio said the agency handling them could also be fined and will be subject to administrative investigation.

The security agency, he said, could also be at risk of having its permit to operate canceled in case of repeated violations.

Bongñabal also explained that security guards should only focus to their job to provide security not as parking attendants, checker as they will not be able to perform their jobs.

“They have to stick to their specific functions as guards, they should not devite on their job description, duties and obligation especially now that everyone is very busy because of the Holiday season,” said Bogñalbal.

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