PNP to fine security agencies for lapses leading to Megamall robbery

The Philippine National Police is studying the possibility to fine security agencies serving the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City after last week's brazen robbery incident at jewelry stores there. PNP Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) chief Superintendent Tomas Rentoy III said the possible imposition of fines is for security lapses that allowed several men with firearms to get into the mall and robbed the stores last Saturday, according to Ian Cruz' report on "News To Go" Wednesday. "Iyon ang tinitignan namin, ira-wrap up namin ang aming investigation bukas and definitely, we will be imposing fines doon sa security agencies at magko-conduct kami ng retraining sa mga security guard na involved sa insidente," he said. Asked if suspending security agencies involved was possible, Rentoy said: "Medyo extreme na po iyon... but we are looking at fines." Earlier, the police said lack of coordination of the mall security hindered police from reaching the area faster. "Hindi masyadong smooth ang procedure ng mga security providers, iba-iba kasi [ang agency], iba 'yung kontrata ng gate, sa grocery, department store; iba rin yata sa food services," Mandaluyong Police officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Florendo Quibuyen said at a press conference last Monday. Despite this, SM told GMA News Online the seven security agencies serving the mall are coordinating with one another. "There are seven agencies who coordinated with each other. The PNP investigation is still ongoing. SM will continue cooperating with the PNP until they finish the entire investigation," said SM spokesperson Ian Mathay in a text message. Meanwhile, the SOSIA will also fine two security agencies for their failure to submit an incident report on time. According to the report, agencies Star Force and Link Security, the agency manning the mall's supermarket entrance where the suspects entered, will face a P10,000 fine for failing to submit their report on the incident. SOSIA met the security managers of the different NCR malls at Camp Crame Wednesday to discuss how to improve security at malls. Firearms and police space Meanwhile, the PNP is now requiring mall security guards to always have their firearms while on duty to prevent the likes of the Megamall insidents. "We will be requiring the security guards to bear firearms dahil we believe na ang pagdala ng firearms ay may deter criminals from realizing evil intentions...," SOSIA's Rentoy said. "Batay sa mga report, at inamin na rin ng security managers, walang mga baril ang mga security guard na involved sa panahong iyon...," he added. "Kaya noong mag-responde sila, hindi nila ma-prevent 'yung robbers from fleeing dahil hindi nila ma-confront dahil wala silang mga baril." Moreover, he said the PNP is sutdying the possibility of designating a permanent place for police officers at malls. In a separate report by Ian Cruz on GMA New TV's "Balitanghali," PNP chief Dir. Gen. Alan Purisima said they are now coordinating with mall owners for the installation of police areas inside the mall. "Para bang magko-construct sila ng isang lugar na pwedeng doon mamalagi ang mga pulis natin para mabilis na makaresponde sa krimen," he said. "Iyon po ay nasa negotiation table pa but we are already gaining the support of mall owners." — Amanda Fernandez /LBG, GMA News