Security lapses allowed Megamall robbers to enter and escape — PNP

Lapses in security allowed several men to bring firearms into SM Megamall last Saturday and pull off the robbery of two jewelry stores, the Philippine National Police's Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies said Monday. Then, with precision timing, the robbers were able to take advantage of the commotion and weekend crowd to escape, despite a mall crawling with security guards. According to GMA News' Marisol Abdurahman's report on Balitanghali, PNP-SOSIA deputy chief Senior Superintendent Buenaventura Viray Jr. noted that the robbers were able to bring firearms into the mall despite the security staff having metal detectors, which SOSIA requires for all malls. No one was reported hurt in the incident, but mallgoers were terrified in a place where guards are omnipresent and security is taken for granted. Viray said as the number of mall shooting incidents has increased over the last few years, SOSIA regularly conducts post inspections to ensure the proper security management of malls. He added that SOSIA is now considering a review of the mall security manual, which serves as a guide for mall security guards. Malls should also have functioning equipment such as CCTV cameras and a team tasked to look out for suspicious-looking people. In a separate interview with GMA News' Raffy Tima on Balitanghali, Eastern Police District director C/Supt. Miguel Laurel said they are considering requiring stores selling valuable items such as jewelry to use glass that is not easy to break. "Mas matatagalan 'yung ano, mas malaki ang tiyansa natin na mahuli," he said. Previous mall shootings   In September 2012, one was killed and two wounded at the Alabang Town Center after security guards engaged suspected robbers in a shootout. Police said the suspects may have planned to rob an armored van that was scheduled to arrive at the mall.   In June 2012, gunmen tried to rob three armored vans at Robinsons Metro East along Marcos Highway. At least two security guards were wounded in the shooting incident.   In March 2012, one died and six were wounded in a brazen robbery at Robinsons Galleria. Two armed men forced their way inside the mall, shooting two of Security Bank's roving tellers and two guards. As the suspects fled on a motorcycle, they threw a grenade at bystanders, wounding three in the blast.   In September 2011, a 13-year-old boy shot himself after shooting his alleged male teenage lover inside the SM shopping mall in Pampanga. According to a previous report, SM Supermalls vice president for marketing Millie Dizon said the mall's security failed to detect the firearm because it was too small.   In 2009, armed men wearing black Bomb Squad uniforms robbed a Rolex watch shop in Greenbelt 5 in Makati City. One of the robbers was killed in a shootout with police. — Amanda Fernandez/BM/HS, GMA News