‘Sampaguita girl’ in viral clip an 18-year-old scholar in private school, not a syndicate member—police
The sampaguita vendor who was seen being mistreated by a mall guard in a viral video has been confirmed by the police as an 18-year-old scholar in a private school and not a member of any syndicate.
Mandaluyong Police Chief Col. Mary Grace Madayag said that the girl has been selling sampaguita flowers to make ends meet for her family since their home in Quezon City was demolished.
"Ikaclarify po natin na 'yung bata po ay totoo pong estudyante. In fact nga po, siya po ay scholar ng isang private institution at matalinong bata at nagsusumikap lamang po na madagdagan 'yung mga pangangailangan nila sa kanilang eskuwela dahil po kadedemolish lang daw po ng bahay nila," Madayag told reporters on Friday, Jan. 17. "'Yun po ay pinatunayan din ng barangay. Nakausap din po namin 'yung barangay kung saan sila nakatira."
In the viral video, which has been reposted on different social media platforms, the girl is seen 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.
Security guard dismissed by mall
Moments after the incident went viral, SM Megamall issued a statement, saying it had called the attention of the guard's security agency to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation.
"We regret and sympathize with the young girl who experienced an unfortunate incident outside our mall," it said.
The guard has been dismissed and will no longer be allowed to service SM malls.
"As SM Supermalls always promotes inclusivity for all, we strongly condemn this act committed against her," it added.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) also said that the guard may get his licensed revoked as he "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," PNP Civil Security Group spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano 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," she added.
The security agency that employed the guard, Redeye II, also issued an official statement over what happened and apologized "for the actions displayed in the video." It assured the public that it's "already conducting due process with the guard involved."
"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," it said.
The company noted it would continue to remind its team to "act with empathy, compassion, and professionalism at all times."
