PNP: Mall guard in viral video mistreating sampaguita vendor may get license revoked
The mall security guard who went viral for mistreating a young sampaguita vendor may lose his license, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said.
PNP Civil Security Group spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano said that based on their assessment of the viral video, the guard "possibly" violated conduct and decorum in the performance of his duty.
"May mga violation 'yan, violation sa kanyang ethical standards, violation sa kanyang professional security creed. Titingnan natin kung may violation ng special laws at pwede madagdag 'yung sa administrative complaint sa SOSIA," she said.
"Considering na medyo maraming possible na maifile na cases, maari pong ma-aggravate ito, maari pong ma-impose siya ng penalty na suspension. Pwede rin cancelation and revocation ng lisensya," Gultiano added.
Investigators from the Mandaluyong City Police have also been tasked to probe the incident and identify the involved child.
Meanwhile, the security agency that employed the guard, Redeye II, issued an official statement over the incident.
"We sincerely apologize for the actions displayed in the video and assure everyone that we are already conducting due process with the guard involved," it said.
"May this serve as a reminder to all agencies of the values we must uphold in performing our duties. It is crucial to prioritize de-escalation and avoid letting emotions take control of our actions."
The company ended by saying it would continue to remind its team to "act with empathy, compassion, and professionalism at all times."
The viral video, which has been reposed on different social media platforms, showed a girl in a school uniform, sitting on the platform outside SM Megamall when the guard seemingly instructed her to go away.
He then grabbed the sampaguita she was holding and threw it on the ground. The visibly agitated girl hit the guard, who blocked her attacks.
He was also seen kicking her left thigh and striking her in the body a few times.
SM Megamall has since dismissed the guard and barred him from servicing SM malls.
