PNP: No cause for alarm over tighter security checks in public places

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday allayed concerns over its directive for private security agencies to ramp up checks and other related measures in public places.

In a media interview at Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP Civil Security Group (CSG) spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano said the issuance of Memorandum 045-2024 by the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) is just a reminder for security personnel to be on alert against possible atrocities by unscrupulous groups.

"This is a regular process of the SOSIA, for security guards to intensify measures in securing areas of responsibility and they should be strict in the implementation of measures. It is also possible that the SOSIA and our Regional Civil Security Units would hold inspections as necessary for security personnel to ensure that these measures are being observed," Gultiano said in Filipino.

The memorandum dated June 14 and signed by SOSIA acting chief Col. Marlou Roy Alzate, titled "Reminder on intensification of security measures regarding planned atrocities of local terrorist groups", directed private security professionals (PSPs) to "monitor identified potential terrorist targets" in their areas of responsibility, particularly in places of convergence.

PSPs are also to strengthen "information gathering on various threat groups and closely monitor developments on their terrorist plans and activities."

Gultiano said these measures also comply with Republic Act 11917 or the Private Security Services Industry Act, which underscores the role of PSPs in helping the PNP in law enforcement.

"Pinapa-ensure ng SOSIA sa mga security professionals yung as much as possible maging strict pagdating sa frisking kapag papasok ng mall and maging alert, monitor baka may mga suspicious people sa kanilang (The SOSIA wants security professionals to ensure that as much as possible, they would be strict in frisking those who enter malls and be alert, as well as monitor suspicious people) in their area and if possible, coordinate with the PNP," she said.

The SOSIA regulates the operations of security agencies, including keeping in check all security guards deployed to various establishments in the country. (PNA)