Security agency in Binay row replaced

MANILA, Philippines - The Dasmariñas Village Association (DVA) Inc. has fired a security agency in connection with a row involving Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay and his convoy of security escorts on Nov. 30, 2013.

The DVA replaced the Right Eight Security Agency on the ground of “loss of confidence” over its handling of the incident.

In a letter sent to homeowners on Tuesday, Jay Pantangco, president of DVA, said that Right Eight Security Agency would be replaced by another security firm, First Eagle Security Agency, starting Jan. 19.

“The association decided to replace Right Eight to address the issue of loss of confidence due to their handling of the incident involving Mayor Binay,” Pantangco said.

However, the guards of Right Eight who refused to allow Binay’s convoy to pass a secured gate, will be absorbed by the new security company to allow them to continue serving the village, Pantangco said.

He said the security agency made an unauthorized and inaccurate representation of DVA to the media regarding the incident that occurred at the subdivision’s Banyan gate.

The letter said that Right Eight cited inaccurate policies involving VIPs (very important persons).

“Our existing policy covers the President and the Vice President of the Philippines. On a case to case basis, exceptions are granted provided that ample time is given to DVA,” the letter read.

The STAR tried to get the reaction of Ram Antonio, owner of the Right Eight Security Agency, but he is out of the country.