Mall operators to enforce stricter security measures

MANILA, Philippines - Shopping mall operators have agreed to implement stricter security measures to prevent a repeat of the violent robbery incident that occurred in Walter Mart in Quezon City last week, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

Mall owners and operators made the agreement during a meeting with the PNP’s Joint Anti-Bank Robbery Action Committee (JABRAC), which recommended tighter security measures.

PNP chief Director General Jesus Verzosa ordered the JABRAC to review the security measures implemented by shopping malls in Metro Manila following the robbery at Walter Mart last Sept. 15.

Police said 15 heavily armed men repeatedly shot at an armored van at the parking area of the Waltermart near Muñoz market in Quezon City and took away four duffel bags of money. At least three people were wounded in the incident.

The PNP said JABRAC found out that security measures in Walter Mart are inadequate. The mall is not equipped with closed circuit cameras monitoring the entrance and exit gates.

The committee also recommended that mall operators prohibit drivers and passengers from staying inside their parked vehicles.

JABRAC also recommended that mall security guards should implement stricter vehicle inspections.

JABRAC chairman Deputy Director General Jefferson Soriano said mall administrators and security administrators have agreed to enhance vehicle and passenger screening in entrances to parking areas of their establishments.

Mall administrators have also agreed to improve technical security in their establishments, especially with the use of CCTV cameras, and allow police investigators immediate access to closed circuit camera videos.