House panel to probe Greenhills hostage drama

MANILA, Philippines — The House committee on labor and employment is set to investigate the hostage-taking incident in a mall in Greenhills, San Juan City last week.

Panel chair and 1-Pacman party-list Rep. Eric Pineda said they set the hearing next week to look specifically into the labor issues raised by the hostage-taker, former security guard Archie Paray.

“I do not condone his actions – endangering lives and violating public order and safety laws.  However, there may have been compelling reasons as to why Mr. Paray took such desperate actions, and it’s a matter we should look into,” Pineda said in a statement yesterday. 

Pineda noted Paray did not demand money and just wanted to be heard on his issues involving his former employer.

Paray shot and wounded a fellow security guard, held 50 people hostage at gunpoint while brandishing a grenade and forced the shutdown of the mall for an entire day.

Critics of such a probe point out that it could encourage similar capers by disgruntled workers.

“He claimed incompetence, negligence and corruption. He cited unjust working conditions and employment security since he was allegedly dismissed by his employer,” the lawmaker said.

The panel has set the hearing on March 10.