MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives will probe the labor issues raised by former security guard Alchie Paray who took hostage at least 50 people inside a mall in Greenhills, San Juan, earlier this week.
The House committee on labor and employment will conduct its motu propio inquiry on Tuesday next week, March 10.
Panel chairperson 1-Pacman partylist Rep. Eric Pineda on Thursday said here could be some “compelling reasons” that drove Paray to take people hostage.
“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.
He noted that Paray never demanded for money as the former security guard had only wanted to be “heard and explain his side.”
“He claimed incompetence, negligence, and corruption. He cited unjust working conditions and employment security since he was allegedly dismissed by his employer. His statement resonated clearly and was heard here at Congress,” the lawmaker said.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora earlier revealed that Paray was offered by his employer P1 million to surrender and release his hostages but refused and chose to air his grievances instead.
READ: Hostage-taking security guard refused P1M from employer; insisted on being heard
Pineda added that he finds it “ironic and unacceptable” to expect a security guard to secure the safety of areas when he does not feel secure in terms of his employment.
When Paray faced the media after releasing his hostages, he claimed that there was corruption among the security officials, who he said take bribes from mall tenants.
Paray also said security guards were being fired without any explanation and investigation.
“Marami ritong kagaguhan na hindi nabibigyan ng pansin kaya ko naisipan ito na mag-hostage kasi itong sitwasyon na ito, December pa ito,” Paray said.
“Dumating sa punto na kailangan na nila maglaglag ng gwardiya na nagtatrabaho para lang protektahan ‘yung mga tenant nila,” he added.
The hostage-taking, Paray said, would serve as a lesson to employers to treat all their employees equally.
“Hopefully sana maging aral ito, hindi lang sa establishment na ito pero kahit saan na may nagtatrabaho, lahat tayo diyan ay importante,” he said.
“Sa lahat ng management, magrespetuhan tayo. Huwag tayo mismo ‘yung hahamak sa mga kasama natin,” he added.
READ: How the Greenhills hostage-taking unfolded