The Philippine National Police-Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) has summoned the sampaguita vendor involved in a viral altercation with a security guard outside a mall. The Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) will oversee the preliminary investigation, according to Police Lieutenant Colonel Eudisan Gultiano, CSG’s public information officer.
“Our evaluator or SOSIA will issue a notice or summons to the woman seen in the video, giving her an opportunity to present her side,” Gultiano said.
Investigation Update
The security guard and representatives from his agency appeared before SOSIA on Monday, submitting statements regarding the incident. They are scheduled to file their counter-affidavit by January 23.
Incident Background
The viral video showed the security guard confronting the vendor, who was dressed in a high school uniform. The confrontation escalated when the guard grabbed and destroyed her sampaguita bundles. In response, the vendor struck the guard with the damaged flowers, prompting a physical reaction from him.
The vendor, identified as a 22-year-old first-year medical technology student, was wearing a high school uniform to attract customers. Selling sampaguita helps her fund her tuition and daily expenses as a scholar.
Reactions and Actions Taken
SM Megamall announced the termination of the security guard involved in the incident. Meanwhile, the guard’s agency, Redeye Management, issued an apology, emphasizing their commitment to professionalism and compassion.
“We are conducting due process and will use this incident to remind all our guards to prioritize de-escalation and empathy in their duties,” Redeye said in a statement.
The CSG also urged all private security professionals to adhere to the PSP Creed and Code of Ethical Standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.