Wednesday, August 22, 2007 Fessags, armored van providers to improve measures, training
ARMORED security providers and the Firearms, Explosives, Security Agencies and Guards Supervision Section (Fesagss) 7 will be deciding whether to implement certain measures they discussed in a meeting last week.
Fesagss 7 Chief Rey Lyndon Lawas told reporters yesterday that he met with eight armored security providers last Thursday and they agreed to “continue discussing” the points until they can come up with guidelines that they all agree on.
Among the concerns raised were the screening procedures of the security personnel and the trainings they go through.
They will also be submitting their recommendations that will be basis for future guidelines for security agencies.
Lawas has directed the Mandarin Security Services, which provided the armored car in transporting cash from the La Nueva Supermart, to submit an investigation report.
The GDS Security Agency, which secures the establishment, was also told to submit an incident report and to require the guards on duty during the P2.7-million robbery to execute an affidavit on what transpired last Aug. 13.
While the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is handling the investigation of the midday robbery, Lawas said they are looking into the administrative aspect and the possible lapses of the security agencies.
He explained that he wanted to see if the guards from the two agencies coordinated in carrying out the money transfer.
Lawas said that one of the things raised by owners of armored security services was the training of their personnel.
He said they should be ready for close-quarter battles, familiar with their issued firearms and proficient in handling these.
Agencies should also hold drills so that they will know what to do in such situations. They also discussed conducting background investigations before hiring any guards.
“We must establish the integrity and trustworthiness of the guard,” Lawas said.
Fesagss plans to conduct a competition among security providers just to enhance the guards’ skills.
Security providers also asked Fesagss to facilitate coordination with traffic management agencies in Metro Cebu so that they will be given consideration during pick-up operations.
Lawas explained that in some institutions, there is little or no parking space for armored vehicles that they have to stop along the road.
But it’s advisable for them to park far from the entrances of establishments during money transfers.
They are asking for about five to 10 minutes’ consideration so they can load or unload cash by the road without having to worry about committing traffic violations.
Lawas plans to meet with security providers regularly so they can exchange observations and ideas.
He said one of the providers gave them information about certain individuals who have been constantly observing their movements.
Lawas has already relayed the information to the concerned police unit.
Before they can be given a license, security guards must complete a Tesda-approved training program. For first-timers, training lasts nearly one month.
Before their licenses can be renewed, they must also go through a 15-day training program every two years.
Aside from this, their agencies are encouraged to train their own guards.
The security agency is also required to insure their guards, although the coverage differs, depending on the guard’s preference.
Meanwhile, the investigation being done on three tourist policemen should serve as a message to police officers who leave their posts, said Chief Supt. Silverio Alarcio Jr.
Alarcio, the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 director, said police in the field should make sure “nothing unusual” is happening around them.
The three are under investigation for leaving their posts without authority. They were stationed at Magellan’s Cross, just a few meters away from La Nueva.
Although their relief is not yet a penalty for their offense, Alarcio said they will be sanctioned if they are found negligent. (MEA)
