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Acting Cebu City Police Office director, Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador wanted the police and the different security agencies of the malls in the city to have a joint security presence inside these establishments.
The official also wanted his men to be allowed inside the premises of these establishments, armed with their guns, especially in the performance of duties.
This after he received reports of security guards in malls that prohibit his men from carrying their firearms even if they are responding to alarms on crimes committed inside these establishments.
For security reasons, some malls have implemented policies to have individuals carrying firearms wanting to get inside their premises, including policemen, to deposit their guns to the security guards on duty.
Some policemen questioned this procedure because they feel "totally naked" inside these establishments wherein some criminal elements thrive, like thieves, "laglag barya" gang members, and pickpockets who victimize unsuspecting customers.
Comendador has asked Sr. Insp. Christopher Ruiz, also a lawyer assigned at the PNP legal section, for legal opinion about the policy.
According to Ruiz in his letter to Comendador, citing a High Tribunal decision in this particular issue, "there are no laws or regulations prohibiting peace officers from carrying their firearms outside the municipality or city under any circumstances."
The policeman, being a public servant, could carry his firearm even outside the jurisdiction of his police unit provided he brings with him the necessary papers and documents supporting that such firearm is for "use in the performance of official duties," the letter said.
Comendador wanted to ask the Police Regional Office to arrange a "give-and-take" arrangement between the city police and mall guards in which they would be allowed to carry firearms on or off-duty so that in case of emergencies the police can assist the security guards.
Last week, alleged Crips or Bloods gang members shot a female customer in a mall at the North Reclamation Area. The woman was hit in her right leg and was rushed by her boyfriend to a hospital. They are not members of the rival gangs, it was confirmed.
Last January this year, PNP Camp Crame issued a directive to all police units directing them to coordinate with mall security personnel on the lookout for criminals dressed in police uniforms pretending to be responding to an alarm, but with the real motive of robbing the firm.
This happened to Ever Gotesco Mall in
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