Blackpearl gets Capitol’s initial nod

CEBU, Philippines - The Blackpearl Security Agency has outshined four other security agencies that sought to guard the Capitol and the Cebu South Bus Terminal.

Orvi Ortega, chairperson of Capitol’s Bids and Awards Committee, announced yesterday that Blackpearl just needs to get through the post-qualification stage during which the company’s documents will be verified before a formal contract is awarded.

The other security agencies that participated in the bidding were Tactical Security Agency, Inc., GDS Security & Detective Agency, Inc., Davao Cavaliers Security and Detective Agency Inc., and Care Best International Inc.

Unfortunately, Davao Cavaliers and Care Best were disqualified during the first stage for their failure to complete the requirements for eligibility, which include legal and technical components.

Because the remaining three agencies proposed a similar amount, BAC had to break the tie by looking into their equipment and referees. The three agreed to the tie-breaking method, Ortega said.

Capitol needs 206 security personnel to guard its buildings and properties.

The provincial government did not extend its contract with Tactical Security Agency, which ended last May 31.

Blackpearl personnel were deployed to their assignments last Sunday. This caused a slight stir at the South Bus Terminal when administrator Vicente Dejoras found out the security guards did not have firearms.

“Supposed to be, kung mo-take over ka, equipped na. Pero sayop ba kay nagtake-over sila sa terminal wa pay radio, armas,” he said.

They were provided with the needed technical support evening that day.

Ortega acknowledged that the early deployment of the Blackpearl personnel was quite risky.

 â€œNi-assume sila with a risk. What if ma-post disqualify sila? So naa ra na nila,” Ortega said.

He also said firearms are a discretion of the security agency.

“Arms are at the discretion of security agency. Ang mga gwardiya diri empleyado man na sa security agency, dili sa Capitol,” Ortega said.

The BAC is composed of Ortega; Mark Tolentino, Provincial Administrator; Jone Seigfred Sepe, PGSO; Alma Sibonga, Provincial Assessor; Danilo Rodas, OIC of the Office of the Provincial Budget; and Emmanuel Guial, Provincial Treasurer’s Office. (FREEMAN)