Security Guard George Bang-a, detailed at the Leg Hauling Security Detachment located along Jose street in Malibay, Pasay, accused Panaligan of "abuse of authority" after the latter instructed his security escorts to confiscate his service firearm, security license and company ID last Saturday.
Bang-a, 46, alleged that Panaligan and his seven security escorts went to their office to inquire about the company’s garbage collection services.
An impatient security aide, upon learning that the owner of the establishment was not around and that an available official was still being informed of the mayor’s presence, allegedly grabbed Bang-a’s service revolver.
Panaligan’s security aide said the gun would be returned to him. He was told to redeem it at Pasay City Hall.
Bang-a noted in a company incident report that the acting mayor, while alighting from the car, yelled out, "Hindi mo ba ako kilala, ako ang mayor ngayon. Bakit mo ako pinaghintay sa labas, kaya mo bang sagutin kung ano ang mangyari sa akin sa labas?"
Panaligan then ordered his other companions to confiscate Bang-a’s security license and company ID and proceeded to talk to the company’s supervisor Jun Orosco over the delays in garbage collection.
Tony Eleazar, owner of Mustang Security Agency Inc., said Bang-a is preparing to file appropriate charges against Panaligan before the Office of the Ombudsman for "abuse of authority."
"As an employee of the company, Bang-a has my full support," Eleazar said.
Panaligan said the guard was rude and that it was just standard operating procedure to disarm him.
"Unlike Bang-a, I don’t have a gun and he was ill-mannered. I told him to claim his gun at the city hall detachment," he added.
He added that the guard did not even open the gate for them.
"I am now discussing with my lawyers the possible action we can take against Bang-a," Panaligan said.
He said he went to the Leg Hauling office to discuss the uncollected garbage at the Pasay City Public Market area. – Rhodina Villanueva