After Abu Sayyaf man’s arrest, PNP mulls review of vetting process of security agencies

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) is considering checking the vetting process of security agencies after police arrested a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf group working as a security guard in Muntinlupa City.

“I think we have to investigate or probably check on different security agencies on their vetting process, hindi lang siguro itong nakakuha ng [alleged Abu Sayyaf member],” PNP chief General Oscar Albayalde said in a press briefing at Camp Crame on Monday

On Wednesday, police arrested Aldemar Murih Sayari, a suspected member of the Abu Sayyaf wanted for kidnapping and serious illegal detention in Sipadan, Malaysia in April 2000.

READ: Wanted Abu Sayyaf man posing as security guard falls in Muntinlupa

Albayalde said the PNP will also investigate the security agency Blue Panthers that hired Sayari. He questioned how the agency was able to hire someone with a standing warrant of arrest.

Authorities also found that the agency has an expired license and has been illegally operating since 2014.

“That’s very dangerous, ibig sabihin parang walang vetting or background investigation na ginawa ‘yung security agency na ‘yun (that means that agency does not conduct background investigation),” he said.

He added that some individuals with cases in Mindanao go to Metro Manila to hide and find jobs since the population here is higher than that in the South. /ee