Security guards. (File photo)
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday announced protocols to tap private security guards as law enforcement force multipliers to secure areas during the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak.
In a press statement, the PNP said this is in compliance with such measure and Proclamation No. 992 which puts the country under a state of public health emergency.
The protocols cover private security agencies and security guards authorizing them to act as force multipliers and secure different establishments within the zone covered by the quarantine.
"These security guards are playing a very vital role in the security and safety in their posted areas even if business is lesser and even more if the business or company is close or non-operational, thus making security paramount," it said.
The protocol will guide security managers and security guards in the deployment, equipment, inspection and other matters necessary in the posting of guards and security of different areas.
Under the protocol, the security guards are entitled to a special pass as they need to secure the safety of establishments during the quarantine period.
Security guards rendering duty need only to present a valid ID, their License to Exercise Security Profession (LESP) and their duty detail order at designated PNP checkpoints.
Other guidelines are enumerated in the approved protocols especially on the extension of renewal security guard IDs/LESP.
Meanwhile, the PNP also approved the automatic extension of expiring License to Own and Possess Firearm (LTOPF), firearm registration and License to Operate for Firearms of private security agencies and LESP of security guards during the quarantine period until April 14.
All concerned licensee and other stakeholders can start to renew at the end of the quarantine period and will not incur penalties.
Concerns on security guards and licenses may be reported to the following numbers:
Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) - (02) 8723 0401 local 4318; Firearms and Explosives Office - local 3178; CSG - 0977 017 0302 - 0919 229 6432. (PNA)
