THE Philippine National Police (PNP) Supervisory Officer for Security and Investigation Agencies (Sosia) has reminded security guards to wear proper uniform while performing their duties.

Sosia Enforcement Management Division officer-in-charge Superintendent Jaime Santos said during the inspection they conducted on Monday, November 5, at least 15 security guards of a mall in Makati City were fined P15,000.

He said during the inspection, the guards were caught wearing costumes like guards of Buckingham Palace for the upcoming Christmas season.

“May information kami natanggap na 'yung mga guwardiya ay 'di nasa tamang uniform. Pinasuot lang daw sa kanila, pero violation kasi,” he said.

(We received information that some security guards are wearing not their proper uniform. They were just told to wear costumes, but it's a violation.)

“Maaari kasing gayahin ito or magsuot ng ganito ang mga sindikato o grupo na gumaya ng krimen doon sa loob ng mall kaya malaking factor na di dapat sila magsuot ng ganyan dahil nangyari na yan before sa isang mall na pinasok ng martilyo gang,” he added.

(Criminals might also wear such costumes inside the malls, and this happened before, so it's important that they wear proper uniforms.)

Santos said the public may also be confused who to ask help from during emergency situations.

Aside from the fine imposed on the security guards, the Sosia also fined a security agency of another mall in Quezon City of more than P400,000 for allowing its security guards to wear costumes while in the performance of their duty.

“Kapag naging recidivist sila o habitual at di nila pinakikinggan ang aming sanction sa kanila, ang mangyayari nyan ay mag-oorder ang chief Sosia na i-tag na i-suspend na ang kanilang license pati ‘yung mismong operator,” said Santos.

(If do not follow our sanctions, the Sosia chief might order the suspension of their licenses, including that of the operator.)

Sosia assistant chief Senior Superintendent Bernard Banac said the inspection is part of the security measure implemented particularly in malls for the upcoming holiday season. (SunStar Philippines)