Security agency may have to leave Capitol if it fails last step in bid process – exec

CEBU, Philippines - After one of its guards figured in an accidental shooting recently, Blackpearl Security Agency may not meet the post-qualification process, a member of the Bids and Awards Committee disclosed.

Officer-in-charge of the Provincial General Services Office Jone Siegfred Sepe, a BAC member, said that the incident, which happened in a province-owned lot in barangay Apas, Cebu City, which led to the termination of its temporary engagement with Capitol, has “strong merits” on the process.

Sepe, nevertheless, said the committee is still studying the matter and has yet to release an official recommendation.

Blackpearl was subjected to a post-qualification process after it emerged as the winning bidder against GDS Security and Detective Agency and Tactical Security Agency.

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III earlier directed the committee to review the post-qualification for Blackpearl.

Sepe said that should Blackpearl fail the post-qualification, the two other security agencies will be considered to undergo the process.

Blackpearl’s temporary engagement with the Capitol ends today after Davide decided to terminate it after what happened last Wednesday morning.

Blackpearl guards have rendered their service at the Capitol since last week pending the awarding of contracts after Tactical Security Agency’s contract expired on May 31.

Sepe said he has already informed the management of Blackpearl regarding the termination.

“Of course they are saddened but we told them the reasons. At the end, it’s the governor’s prerogative. Whether they like it or not, the decision is being done,” he added.

He said that personnel from the Cebu Provincial Police Office and Civil Security Unit will temporarily safeguard the Capitol compound.

In a separate interview, Davide assured that there will be enough personnel to secure other province-owned facilities like district hospitals as he asked the local government units to detail policemen. — (FREEMAN)