PNP reviews security firms’ vetting process

MANILA, Philippines — Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde yesterday ordered a review of the policies and procedures of private security agencies following the recent arrest of a suspected Abu Sayyaf rebel working as a security guard in Muntinlupa City.

Albayalde directed the PNP Supervisory Office on Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) to conduct an inspection of all security agencies and their personnel in the country.

“I think we have to investigate or check the different security agencies on their vetting process,” he said in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

SOSIA director Brig. Gen. Noli Romana said there are 1,531 security agencies nationwide, of which 860 are in Metro Manila.

On Wednesday last week, an alleged member of the terror group identified as Al-demar Saiyari was arrested in Alabang.

The suspect, who has pending cases of illegal possession of deadly weapons and 21 counts of kidnapping with serious illegal detention in connection with the kidnapping of 21 persons from the resort island of Sipadan in Malaysia by Abu Sayyaf members in April 2000, was caught while working as a security guard.

Had the security agency where Saiyari worked conducted a background check on him, Albayalde said the suspect would have not been employed in the first place.

“Remember he has an existing warrant so how come he was able to work as a security guard,” the PNP chief said.

Albayalde said it is very important for security firms to impose stricter vetting measures to prevent the employment of fugitives.