PNP probes 4 agencies in Megamall heist

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police on Monday said it would summon four security agencies assigned inside the SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City in connection with last Saturday's jewelry store break in.

The PNP-Supervisory Office for Security Investigation Agency said it would call for interrogation Lambdan, Starforce, Blue Dragon and Link security personnel regarding the incident.

Initially the SOSIA investigators have zoomed in on Lambdan security guards, who were posted during the robbery.

Police probers also noted the lapses of the security personnel, including the the failure to detect the firearm carried by one of the robbers who entered the shopping mall.

"The fact na nakapasok iyong baril ayon sa report doon sa territorial police ay apparently may lapses sa pinatupad na security measures at iyon ang mga tinitignan namin, kung ano ang mga circumstances na nangyari before and after the incident," said Sr. Supt. Buenaventura Viray Jr., SOSIA deputy head, said.

Police investigators also noted that mall security guards at the entrance and exit doors were unarmed and failed to cordon the area after learning of the heist.

Buenaventura said if found guilty, the security agency will be slapped with a P50,000 fine on the first offense and cancellation of the license on the second offense.

He added that, if found liable,  security guards will be suspended for 30 days on the first offense.

"Sa mga security guards naman, ay one to 30 days suspension sa first offense, and usually ni-rerecommend namin, retraining for the period ng kanyang suspension," Viray said.

The SOSIA is also now looking into the  previous records  of the agencies to determine if the agencies have already committed lapses in implementing security measures. - Dennis Carcamo