'Security enforcers'

MANILA, Philippines - We at the Ortigas Center Association, Inc. (OCAI) are deeply troubled by Mr. Jarius Bondoc’s incendiary, distorted story on November 9, 2009 (“Mandaluyong’ Private Armies”) which, insofar as it pertains or implies any wrongdoing on the part of the security personnel with “Ortigas Security” uniforms, contains multiple factual errors.

We are writing your good office to clarify these issues that require correction. The errors concern three aspects of the article, namely:

1. The security guards wearing jackets marked “Ortigas security” are duly deputized by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Thus, these security enforcers are authorized to issue Traffic Violation Receipts (TVR) against traffic violators. These security guards are not part of any “private army” as Mr. Bondoc claims or implies, but rather are personnel tasked to, among other things, to protect the buildings, property and people within the Ortigas Center and ease the traffic flow within the area.

2. The long firearms that Mr. Bondoc referred to might be the two pieces of shotguns assigned to our personnel. Their agency, Leopard Integrated Services, Inc., being accredited by the Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators, Inc. (PADPAO), has properly trained these personnel to carry shotguns. Aside from their qualification, these weapons are also properly documented as required by law.

3. Barangay San Antonio is not a part of Mandaluyong City. In fact, it is under the jurisdiction of Pasig City.

OCAI has no relation whatsoever with Santo Nino Towing Co., nor with any of its officers and employees. If the alleged acts committed by the said towing agency are indeed true, OCAI strongly condemns the same and OCAI assures the public that it does not countenance or tolerate such acts.”

Please contact us if any of this is unclear and we look forward to redress of the material errors identified. Should you have any other inquiries, please feel free to contact our office at tel. nos. 6344321 or 6317212. — VICTOR R. BUENCAMINO, General Manager, Ortigas Center Association, Inc.