Order leaves Talisay City ‘unguarded’

CEBU, Philippines – At least 91 security guards of the Talisay City government who were hired under a contract with Black Pearl Security Agency lost their jobs yesterday.

Mayor Johnny De los Reyes issued an executive order terminating the service contract with the security agency effective March 17, 2015, "despite the risks posed to the city's properties and employees."

Black Pearl has been the city's security services provider since August 1, 2013.

In his order, the mayor cited the city's reduced budget for security services as one of main reasons for the termination.

"The proposed annual budget for security services in the amount of P17,500,000 was reduced by the Sangguniang Panlungsod to P3,500,000," De los Reyes said.

"Hence, it is becoming apparent that the 2015 Approved Annual Budget for Security Services as reduced will be (only good until) February 2015 based on the letter sent by city budget officer Edgar Mabunay," the mayor added.

Along with Mabunay, city treasurer Emma Macuto, city accountant Viluzminda Villarante, city assessor Alma Abellanosa and city planning development coordinator Christine Homez attested to the order.

De los Reyes is yet planning to submit a supplemental budget proposal to the City Council, something not done within the first quarter due to what he described in his order as "constraints."

After learning of the mayor's order, the affected security guards, who were deployed at the City Hall, city slaughterhouse, markets and Talisay City College, approached him yesterday to clarify on their status.

Few of them were hoping the city could at least hire them as job order workers or accommodate them for any other jobs while they wait for their reinstatement.

One guard told The FREEMAN the recent move will be a challenge for them because most of their families depend on their job as security personnel for a living.

But De los Reyes said he could not grant their request saying, "Di pud na sila puwede himuon nga job order kay ma-question ta ana sa COA (Commission on Audit)."

With the Black Pearl guards terminated, De los Reyes has ordered the Civil Security Unit of the city to temporarily implement security measures in and out of the City Hall, especially in offices that deal with financial transactions.

"Limited ra man ang presensiya sa CSU karon sa City Hall. Magtinabangay lang sa ta kay alang usab kini natong tanan nga malikay sa mga dautan nga tawo," he said.

He added that providing funds for security services is not within his authority as mayor as he recalled it was the "council who reduced the budget in the first place."

"Ako isip mayor, naa ko'y mga projects nga makabenepisyo sa mga Talisaynon, apan di kalikayan nga masagulan og politika, hinungdan nga aduna'y mobabag hangtod nga di matuman ang mga proyekto ug ako ang mogawas nga dautan," he said.

Sought for comment, council presiding officer Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante said the real issue is COA calling the attention of the executive department regarding the continued services of Black Pearl.

"To note, the SP is all too willing to give the mayor the needed appropriation through a supplemental budget. The mayor did not anticipate the shortage, he did not prepare for it," Villarante told The FREEMAN in a text message.

City councilor Danilo Caballero said the security agency and the mayor are embroiled in a pending case.

"Dapat ana ang mayor nag-bidding na unta to kay kahibaw man siya daan nga mo-expire ang term sa agency ug mopasar siya og supplemental budget kay kami sa konseho willing mi mo-approve basta kaayuhan sa siyudad," Caballero said.

Caballero said he was worried on the security of the city's properties, especially at the City Hall and the slaughterhouse.