The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday warned security agencies and establishments to do away with the practice of making security guards wear Christmas costumes.
In a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City, PNP Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) chief Brig. Gen. Gregory Bogñabal said this is to deter criminals who might disguise themselves using Christmas costumes in carrying out illegal activities.
“When we say proper uniform, we mean the standard uniform of a guard, nothing more, nothing less. It would also be hard for us to quickly identify who the guards are because they don’t have a nameplate or ID,” he said.
He also said wearing these costumes might hamper the response of security guards during emergency situations as they cannot be easily identified.
Under Section 14 of Republic Act 5487 or the Private Security Agency Law, the “Chief of the Philippine Constabulary (now the PNP), through his duly authorized representative, shall prescribe the uniform or ornaments, equipment, and paraphernalia to be worn by the security guards and watchmen throughout the Philippines.”
