Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. ordered the PNP Civil Security Group and police regional offices to conduct an inventory and accounting of all private security personnel working as “bodyguards” to very important people (VIP), including foreigners, following reports of involvement of some of them in illegal and criminal activities.
Azurin issued the order in the “wake of reports” of involvement of licensed protective agents in “violent incidents involving their protectees,” some of whom are foreigners doing business in the country.
“As a general rule, licensed protective agents must be covered by Special Duty Detail Order [SDDO] from the PNP Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies [SOSIA], authorizing them to carry firearms and perform bodyguard duties for their protectees,” the PNP chief said.
Over the weekend, suspects blocked the car bearing a Malaysian national who came from a casino establishment in the southern part of Metro Manila while it was traveling along the highway in Makati City and robbed him of P8 million.
One of the suspects, reportedly in the company of a Chinese national, has been arrested by the police on Monday, according to Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos.
Azurin said private security protection agents must be covered by an “Authority to Deploy Protection Agents” issued by the chief of the PNP, which is valid for one year or the deputy chief for operations, which is valid up to six months, and SDDO issued by the SOSIA.
“The PNP CSG-SOSIA, in coordination with Police Districts in the National Capital Regional and other Police Regional Offices where there are known POGO [Philippine Offshore Gaming Operations] are likewise directed to conduct inspection of all private security personnel performing security duties in these establishments, including watchmen, security guards and protective agents,” the PNP chief said.
“The PNP is launching a crackdown on unauthorized security personnel in POGO establishments and other industries that have become notorious for illegal activities and violence,” he added.
Reports have claimed of a spike in criminal activities, especially kidnapping, which is being attributed to Chinese nationals and perpetrated also against their compatriots in the operations of POGOs.
Abalos is set to present on Wednesday afternoon Chinese nationals who have been kidnapped but were rescued by the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group. Azurin is expected to join the DILG secretary.
Image credits: PNP/Facebook