PNP-SOSIA clarifies Greenhills hostage-taker has a license

Alchie Paray, the man who held hostage 50 individuals in a mall in San Juan City on Monday, has a license to perform as a security guard, the Philippine National Police - Supervisory Office on Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) said Tuesday.

"He is in possession of a license to exercise security profession that will expire on 2021," PNP-SOSIA chief Police Brigadier General Michael Dubria told reporters at Camp Crame.

Dubia's clarification came amid reports that Paray has no license from PNP-SOSIA.

"I was given the wrong name that's why I answered that the security guard was not in possession of a license. I stand corrected now," he said.

He also bared that the gun seized from Paray has no serial number. "It does not have a serial number. There is no firearm belonging to the government that has no serial number."

Meanwhile, Dubria said authorities would also investigate the security firm where Paray was affiliated. The PNP official, however, noted that SASCOR Armor Security Agency has a license to operate.

"They have a license to operate. They employ licensed security guards. I think for the administrative matter, at first glance, wala silang liability. But, that did not prevent me from ordering an inspection for all the post of all the private security agency such as the SASCOR," Dubria said.

Earlier, PNP spokesman Police Brigadier General Bernard Banac warned that the security company could lose its license to operate following the incident.—AOL, GMA News