Security agencies told to submit plans for PNP-SOSIA review

The Philippine National Police-Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agency (PNP-SOSIA) has given security agencies until Monday, June 19, to submit security plans for review by the police unit.

“We required every security agency to submit their security plans sa malls, hotels, and mixed commercial establishments where the public converge,” Chief Supt. Jose Mario Espino said in an interview with reporters at the sidelines of a seminar for private security managers.

“These security plans will be reviewed by the PNP and we will conduct rehearsals to make sure that these security plans are updated and really working,” he added.

The plan will be checked for feasibility and practicability.

The memorandum was given to the security managers on June 16 during the seminar where Espino also enumerated their recommendations following the Resorts World Manila incident which claimed the lives of 38 people, including gunman Jessie Carlos.

He said the rehearsals of the security plan will be led by the police head in the area and is expected to start in July.

“This office will conduct a series of random simulation exercises to assess the effectiveness of the security plan and the operational readiness of the security personnel,” the order states.

Espino said they were specifically asking for the guarding system and not the control or access plan of the establishment.

“Guarding system lang ‘yung sinasabi namin ha. Hindi ho namin kailangan makita ‘yung mga access, control points nung establishment. ‘Yun po ang pineprevent nila, yung manakawan sila,” he said.

He said they also wanted to see the standard response required of the security officers.

“Ang hinihingi natin is the guarding system and the standard response that we require of you, na dapat na-practice natin,” he said.

The memorandum, dated June 16, futher states those who will fail to comply will be facing penalties.

It said the Resorts World Manila incident serves as a wake-up call to the private security industry and shows importance of proactive security measures especially in malls, hotels, resorts, and other similar establishments.

“The said incident could show all concerned stakeholders of security and public safety that a simple diligence, if regularly practiced, will ensure business continuity and safe environment. Thus, let the said incident be a lesson learned in order to prevent similar shortcomings with some doable and practical solutions,” he said.

It added that it is now time to raise the level of collective and individual consciousness on security by going back to the basics, implementing proactive measures, and bearing in mind that various forms of risk and hazards can happen at any opportune time. —NB, GMA News