The Philippine National Police ordered stricter security measures in malls as the influx of mall-goers are expected due to the coming yuletide season.
This means it is not just the traffic crisis and other risky situation that make authorities worry in the lead-up to the yuletide season but also the security in malls.
The briefing of PNP-SOSIA (Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies) on its directive to all security agencies was conducted two days after an enraged man apparently sneaked in a kitchen knife inside a mall in Cavite, and held a dozen people hostage inside a toilet.
The three-hour standoff on Sunday ended with the suspect shot dead by police, but also left one hostage dead after the victim suffered several stab wounds by the hostage-taker.
In a press briefing Tuesday in Camp Crame, Senior Supt. Jose Mario Espino, director of PNP-SOSIA, said the Philippine National Police has directed relevant agencies to beef up security measures in malls and other public places where big crowds gather.
As the holiday season nears, many mall-goers are expected to shop and buy lots of food and goods.
Security guards are now required to wear their prescribed uniforms in malls, hotels and areas of public convergence, as “some of those in the malls are wearing barong type uniform,” Espino said.
According to Espino, their office wants to ensure that the security service operational procedures are followed by the private security units guarding the malls, “especially in these ‘ber months.”
These are considered “Red Letter Days in the calendar of the PNP,” Espino added.
Espino explained that the directive to wear the prescribed security guard’s uniform instead of just polo barong is crucial because the presence of the uniformed guard is a deterrent to thieves and other criminals that may victimized people in malls and other public places.
The PNP, Espino added, is also encouraging security guards “to help the local police set up the PNP assistance centers and at least provide one security guard in tandem with the PNP while policemen are assigned at the PNP assistance counters in the malls.”