PNP eyes guards as intel operatives

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is planning to tap security guards as intelligence operatives to improve public safety.

Maj. Gen. Edgar Alan Okubo, director of the PNP Civil Security Group (CSG), emphasized the importance of utilizing security guards as force multipliers in intelligence gathering.

In his message during the closing ceremony of the Basic Information Collection and Analysis Seminar (BICAS) for private security agencies on Thursday, Okubo urged security firms to maintain daily intelligence briefs and submit daily reports for assessment validation by intelligence units.

Thirty-one security agencies attended the closing ceremony held at the JSL building in Barangay Bagong Lipunan ng Crame.

Okubo said security guards play a crucial role in securing airports, commercial establishments and other vital installations.

“Their responsibilities extend to addressing both external and internal threats, contributing to the government’s comprehensive security framework,” he said.

Okubo stressed the need to address information gaps and leverage security guards in identifying and reporting issues related to national security, terrorism, espionage, smuggling, drug trafficking, illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators and other crimes.

He said they would replicate the BICAS nationwide, with 575,000 security guards expected to participate.