Police in Talisay seize guards' unlicensed guns

CEBU, Philippines - The police have confiscated six guns issued to security guards assigned to different business establishments in Talisay City for expired licenses. Some of the guards failed to show permits to carry firearms. 

“Unom ka mga firearms ang na-confiscate kay walay mga lisensya ug wala po’y lisensya ang mga security guard,” Talisay City police chief Supt. Eddie Recamara said.

Recamara said there are some security guards who lack basic training in handling guns.

“Ilang security guard ilang gihimong boy. Maoy ilang gigamit sa pag-abli sa ilang establishments which is bawal na siya. Maoy mo close. Maoy mo atiman sa traffic. Na-defeat na ang purpose sa security guard, which is to secure the safety of the establishment kay nag-atiman naman sila sa traffic. So, mao na ilang mga sayop,” Recamara said.

Last Tuesday, the Talisay City government advised business establishments to avail of the services of blue guards and hire the services of duly licensed security agencies, which are equipped with licenses for short and long service firearms. 

Vice Mayor Alan G. Bucao, chairman of the committee on public order, safety, traffic management and public utilities, said he has observed that there are business establishments that avail of the services of security agencies that have lack legitimate offices, commonly known as the “kabit system,” that use the licenses of other security agencies. 

“Security is a serious business; blue guards have been in use in many business establishments to protect people, property, and to prevent the commission of crimes in the business. The blue guards hired from these agencies do not possess the necessary credentials, lack proper training and experience,” Bucao said.

He said some of these guards do not even carry firearms. 

According to Bucao, a security guard was shot dead during a robbery at a business establishment in barangay Cansojong because he did not carry a gun.

Republic Act No. 5487, otherwise known as the “The Private Security Agency Law,” provides that no person shall engage in the business of, or act either as a private detective, or detective agency; and either engage in the occupation, calling or employment of watchman or in the business of watchman’s agency without first having obtained the necessary permit from the Chief, Philippine Constabulary which permit as approved is prerequisite in obtaining a license or license certificate.  (FREEMAN)