THERE should be a cause for alarm when casinos cannot even be secured. Are our business establishments, malls, banks, places of entertainment, markets etc. safe for us Filipinos and foreign visitors?
I am not trying to instill fear among our citizens. But after the Resorts World Manila (RWM) incident, one can no longer feel secure in a crowded place.
Congress conducted an investigation into the lone man rampage that cost 38 lives (including the gunman) and damage to casino property. I expect our representatives to also look into the operations of security agencies nationwide.
There are security agencies operating without permits. Most of these illegal agencies have security personnel assigned in subdivisions. From what I have gathered, these questionable agencies hire practically anybody with no credentials, background as a security guard whatsoever or any psychological test, then issue the applicant uniform, black shoes and an unlicensed firearm. I know of one agency that hired a mere tricycle driver to fill in a vacancy. Yes, it is that easy to get hired. The monthly salaries of these guards cannot even be regarded as hazard pay.
Usually, there is only one security guard assigned at a subdivision and his job is to mainly open and close the gate; check and require visitors to show some identification. Sometimes, there are two guards assigned—one is at the gate and the other does the roving. When a reliever fails to report for work, the security guard is required to work for more than 12 hours until a reliever comes. This practice is rampant so you will find guards sleeping at their posts. It is therefore imperative upon the government to create a body that will oversee the operations of security agencies.
Our government through President Duterte’s visit to foreign countries tried to lure investors. Who will invest in a country where terror is perpetuated by its own citizens? Some elected officials were quick in blaming the RWM incident to a terrorist group. Fake news, misinformation and putting the media to blame do not help our already volatile situation.
We talk about terrorism but are we even ready to address it with less casualties? What happened at RWM is an eye-opener for everybody and should not be taken lightly.
Promoting tourism is rather difficult when there are travel advisories and booking cancellations. Our country will stay as a tourist destination only if we can keep it safe and secure.