A ranking official of the Philippine National Police (PNP) warned security guards from wearing Santa Claus dress and other Christmas costumes for various gimmicks and promotions of the establishment they are assigned to this Yuletide season.
Police Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco, director of the PNP-Civil Security Group (CSG), said he already issued the guidance to all security agencies in anticipation of any move from establishment owners to have their security guards wear Christmas costumes.
“We have had several experiences in the past that these Christmas costumes are being taken advantage of by criminal elements in carrying out illegal activities. By banning these, we are denying them an opportunity to strike,” said Francisco.
He added that the wearing of Christmas costumes may also prevent the security guards from carrying out their duties of securing the establishments where they are assigned to.
Francisco emphasized that security guards must stick to their prescribed uniforms, adding that those who would violate the CSG guidance will be facing sanctions.
He said the agency handling them will also be fined and will be subject to administrative investigation. The security agency will be at risk of having its permit to operate canceled in case of repeated violations.
Francisco also emphasized that security guards should not be tasked to perform other duties which include serving as parking attendants, utility workers or service crew.
“The security guards' basic functions are to patrol their specific areas, report all unusual incidents and events, control the entry and exits of their guests, as well as the vehicles, and facilitate the systematic traffic flow of their area of responsibility,” said Francisco.
“They also assist the public who need assistance within their area of responsibility and to report to the police any incidents related to crime or other occurrences and must remember that security guards are force multipliers,” he added.