At least 500 security guards in Western Visayas are expected to augment the PNP in its anti-criminality campaign this Yuletide season, according to Chief Supt. Agrimero Cruz, Jr., regional director, Police Regional Office 6.

Cruz said that every land-based security agency has committed to detail some of its security guards to reinforce police visibility in malls and other commercial establishment.

Records from the PRO 6 Security Agencies and Guards Unit showed that 95 private security agencies are registered in Western Visayas while 75 are “non-based” or those with main office in Metro Manila or other regions.

PRO6-SAGU also listed more than 13,000 private security guards in the region.

“Malaki po ang maitutulong ng mga security guards natin lalo na’t pinapaigting natin ang seguridad para ‘di mabawasan ang ligaya ng pasko,” he said.                                              

It can be noted that the designation of security guards for anti-crime drive is stipulated in the recently-signed Memorandum of Agreement between PRO6 and the Philippine Association of Detective and Proactive Agency Operators.

Cruz said the agreement aims to mobilize the private security guards and detectives for anti-criminality drives of the PRO-6.

Further, it also reiterated the regulations governing the hiring of security guards and rules in carrying of firearms.

Under the term, endorsement of private security guards will only be issued by the PNP regional director and that they will not be allowed to carry firearms except those issued by the agency where they belong.

Cruz said the agreement will bolster the partnership of PRO-6 and members of PADPAO in making Western Visayas more peaceful, orderly and crime-free.

Meanwhile, the private security guards are reminded of the proper wearing of uniform and paraphernalia.

Under a PNP memorandum issued last January 9, 2012, security agencies will be meted with fines if their security guards are caught violating the “Tamang Bihis.”

Cruz already directed the SAGU to randomly check security guards and remind them of the policies.*