Friday, January 25, 2008 Malls, security agencies to make crisis mgt plan By Grace L. Plata
THE issue on security policies of malls in the city has been put to a closure by the City Council committee on peace and public safety with the commitment of mall operators and security agencies to harmonize their policies to create a crisis management plan that will be used by all.
A series of committee hearings, the last of which was held Thursday morning, was conducted to discuss the matter in relation to the complaint of Councilor Rachel Zozobrado regarding an alleged lock-in of shoppers during a power outage in the exit door of one of the city's malls last November.
In attendance during the hearings, were mall administrators and heads of security agencies within the city as well as representatives from Central 911 and the Bureau of Fire Protection.
It was found out that although it is the mall's policy to not let anyone out during power outage, there is no written policy stating such. The mall in question, however, explained it is their way to control the crowd.
Zozbrado earlier said they were not made to understand why even when they voiced out their concerns and suggested that they be frisked one by one to make sure they are not bringing any unpaid items along.
Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang, chair of the City Council peace and public safety committee, advised the concerned mall to correct any violations especially the installment of emergency lights, proper signage and generator function during blackouts.
It was also agreed that Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) inspect on whether the mall has complied.
"I just want this issue to have a proper closure and avoid the same mistake in the future to ensure the safety of the public," Dayanghirang said.
