'Ala-James Bond': PNP-CSG to tap 575,000 security guards as police’s intel network vs criminals, spies—and even POGOs

Bond, James Bond--the Pinoy version and there will be a lot of them. 

The Civil Security Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP-CSG) is eyeing to tap around 575,000 security guards in the country as the government’s eyes and ears not only to further improve the peace and order situation in the country but also in addressing national security-related concerns that include espionage and illegal presence of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

But first, PNP-CSG director Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan O. Okubo said they have to undergo the basic training programs on intelligence-gathering which was started with the seminar of a total of 61 security guards based in Metro Manila.

PNP-CSG director Police Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan O. Okubo explains the important role of security guards in addressing internal and external security threats during the first wave of the Basic Information Collection and Analysis Seminar (BICAS) at Camp Crame in Quezon City. The PNP-CSG is eyeing to tap the 575,000-strong security guards as government's intelligence networks against criminal elements, spies, terrorists and even POGOs which were earlier banned by President Marcos. 

“The seminar was spearheaded by the PNP-CSG is a recognition of  the crucial role played by security guards across various sectors, including airports and commercial establishments,” said Okubo during the closing ceremony of the Basic Information Collection and Analysis Seminar (BICAS) for Private Security Agencies at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“Their responsibilities extend to addressing both external and internal threats contributing to the government’s comprehensive security framework,” he added.

Okubo said the 61 NCR-based private security agencies were oriented towards their important roles as partners of the government, particularly of the PNP in public safety and national security.

In his speech, Okubo emphasized the importance of utilizing security guards as force multipliers in intelligence-gathering. 

He said this is essential to address information gaps and leverage security guards in identifying and reporting anomalies, such as issues related to national security, Internal Security Operation (ISO), terrorism, espionage, smuggling, drug trading, POGOs (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators) and others.

President Marcos earlier banned the POGOs in the country, an order he issued during his recent State of the Nation Address (SONA) over peace and order, and national security concerns. 

Based on the CSG data, there are around 575,000 security guards across the country and the figure is a decent number to augment the PNP in its peace and order and law enforcement duties. 

Okubo said the BICAS will be replicated across the country to cover all the security guards. 

He also urged all private security agencies to cooperate since the effort is for the sake of the country and the Filipino people. 

The cooperation, he said, includes maintaining daily intelligence briefs (DIB) and submission of daily reports to the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) for assessment and further validation by intelligence units.