PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief Oscar Albayalde has clarified that security agencies should coordinate with their Supervisory Officer for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) before allowing their security guards to wear costumes.
Albayalde said even policemen are sometimes wearing costumes as it is one way of “attracting friendship” among the public.
“Even ‘yung ating kapulisan minsan nagcocostume ng Santa Claus or ‘yung hat man lang. Tama po ‘yung sinabi nyo kanina parang it attracts friendship po nung sa mga mallgoers. Dapat inform muna PNP-SOSIA na magsusuot ng costume,” he said.
“I think wala pong magiging problema yan lalong lalo po na mga malls dahil madalas yun ang nagiging tradition na ‘yung mga pulis natin, mga security guards natin ay nagsusuot ng Santa Claus kahit po ‘yung hat lang pinapalitan,” he added.
Earlier, the PNP-SOSIA imposed P15,000 worth or fine against at least 15 security guards of a mall in Makati for not being in proper uniform while on duty—they were wearing costumes like guards of Buckingham Palace as part of the mall’s gimmick for the upcoming Christmas season.
The security agency of a mall in Quezon City was also fined P400,000 for the same offense.
The PNP SOSIA said security guards wearing proper uniform while in the performance of their duty is part a of security measures in keeping the public safe and secured and for the maintenance of peace and order.
Albayalde, however, said that those who were ordered to pay fine may explain to SOSIA why they were not wearing their uniforms.
“Kung naman po maganda ‘yung reason, kung I think valid naman po yan maliit na bagay po yan. Pwedeng reprimand or pwedeng caution lang,” he said. (SunStar Philippines)