PNP moves to professionalize security guards in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) is banking on various private security agencies as potent "force multipliers" to augment its strength as it works to professionalize security guards.

Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño, director of Police Region Office 9 (PRO), said its Firearms Explosive and Security Group Section (FESAGS) is working closely to ensure the professionalization the private security guards in the region.

Vaño said during the regional consultative assembly and professionalization of security guards that improving the private guards’ proficiency would help the limited strength of the PNP in safeguarduarding the community.

He said this will free the police from serving as security escorts for government agencies, goverment officials and private individuals.

Chief Inspector Ariel Huesca, FESAGS 9 chief, said the office has registered 80 security agencies with at least 6,655 security guards, which is larger than the total strength of the regional police office.

However, only a few of the security guards in the region have undergone advanced trainings.

He said the FESAGS will require security agencies to conduct regular trainings on marksmanship and first aid for their personnel.