PNP: Security guards can’t wear costumes

Sorry, but they can’t be part of any “cosplay.”

The Philippine National Police on Wednesday reminded the management of shopping malls and other business establishments that their security guards are not allowed to wear costumes, even if it is just part of a themed activity or promotional gimmick.

Brig. Gen. Gregory Bogñalbal, chief of the PNP Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (Sosia), said guards posted at such places should remain in uniform and conduct themselves accordingly while on duty.

Sosia, an office under the PNP Civil Security Group, regulates the operations of security agencies.

Citing one of the dangers of allowing guards to don costumes, Bogñalbal said criminals could use the same outfit as a disguise in order to access or infiltrate their target establishments.

“It will also be difficult for the public to distinguish security officers from performers. In case of emergencies, the response of security guards can also be restricted or limited because of their costumes,” he told reporters in Camp Crame.

Agency fined, too

Section 14 of Republic Act No. 5487, or the private security agency law, requires security guards to have their own uniforms, equipment and paraphernalia to set them apart from police, soldiers and other uniformed personnel.

The law penalizes security guards who are caught not in uniform—or wearing anything outside their official attire—while on duty: they are fined P500 to P1,000 for this “light offense,” while the concerned agencies are fined P10,000 to P20,000.

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In 2018, Sosia imposed fines on 15 security guards at a shopping mall in Quezon City for being in “Nutcracker” soldier uniforms.

Bogñalbal also reminded companies that security guards are not supposed to double as valet parking attendants.

“They should stick to their official jobs, especially now that terminals and malls are very busy because of the holiday season,” he said. “We expect security guards to be at all times alert and ready to secure the peace and order in their areas of responsibility. Their presence is very crucial in preventing crimes from happening.” INQ