PNP wants mall security guards to be armed

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police on Thursday announced that it has recommended the re-training of mall security guards in responding to robbery incidents and other emergency situations inside the business establishment.

PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima said they recommended to security managers of malls that all guards inside the shopping centers be armed.

"In light of the recent incidents in Metro Manila, this morning we are meeting with various security mall managers... and we came up with a mall security manual to guide the security guards in malls," Purisima told a press conference.

During their meeting, Purisima said all the stakeholders agreed that the armed security personnel in malls should undergo retraining in markmanship.

"Hindi puwedeng may baril pero hindi naman marunong gamitin...dapat asintado po sila," Purisima added.

Aside from the retraining in marksmanship, Purisima said mall security personnel should also undergo retraining on medical response as quick reaction during emergency situations.