"Fixer" nabbed for issuing fake certificates

CEBU, Philippines -  A former branch manager of a security training center in Manila was arrested in an entrapment operation for allegedly issuing bogus training certificates to applicants of security guard license.

Jasum Ebdante Tarrayo, 34, dismissed branch manager of Valiant Security Training Center, was arrested at 3:00 p.m. Monday in Sanciangko Street Barangay Sto. Niño by the operatives of the Firearms Explosives Security Service Agency and Guards Supervisory Section (FESSAGS) – 7.

FESSAGS-7 chief Rex Derilo said they received numerous complaints against the alleged illegal activities of Tarrayo.

The arrest stemmed from a complaint filed on March 9 by at least three of his victims who found out that the training certificates issued to them were faked. Derilo said they immediately hatch an entrapment operation using one of the complainants.

The complainant arranged a meeting with Tarrayo last Monday supposedly for his security guard license application. The meeting resulted in the arrest of the suspect after he received the P500 marked money.

According to Derilo, security guard applicants are required to undergo three weeks training before they are issued a license. Applicants for renewal are also required to undergo a one week refresher course with the accredited training centers.

Derilo said Tarrayo’s illegal activity has greatly affected the security industry and will jeopardize the public and its clients. Derilo explained that it is dangerous to deploy security guards who lack the needed trainings.

“How can they function well and do their work if they are not ready?” he said.

There are currently 12 private security training centers accredited by the Philippine National Police in Central Visayas.

Republic Act 5487 or the Private Security Agency Law requires all private detectives, watchmen or security guards, to undergo appropriate training before licenses are issued to any applicant, and during renewal, insuring personnel competence.

“We have agencies that maliciously facilitate non-appearance training where SG easily acquire license from Camp Crame without appropriate training,” Derilo said.

Tarrayo refused to comment on his arrest and the allegations against him.

The police are preparing criminal complaints for estafa in relation to RA 5487 against Tarrayo.–(FREEMAN)