Dasma village fires security agency but wants guards in Binay row retained

STANDOFF AT DASMARIÑAS Video sequence shows confrontation between Makati Mayor Junjun Binay (top, center) and Dasmariñas Village guards who barred his convoy from passing through Banyan gate on Nov. 30. Binay’s bodyguards later surrounded the gatekeepers. CONTRIBUTED/SCREEN GRAB

MANILA, Philippines – The Dasmariñas Village Association (DVA) has replaced its security force, citing “loss of confidence,” after it figured in an incident involving Makati Mayor Junjun Binay last November.

In a circular sent to resident on Tuesday, the DVA said Right Eight Security Agency would be replaced by First Eagle Security Agency, which the association said had extensive experience in the industry.

“The Board decided to replace Right Eight in order to address the issue of loss of confidence due specifically to their handling of the incident last November 30, 2013,” it said.

The DVA said the agency offered “unauthorized and inaccurate representation” to the media. It can be recalled that village resident and television host Solita “Winnie” Monsod criticized the agency for speaking in behalf of the DVA.

“Right Eight management cited inaccurate policies involving VIPs. Our existing policy covers the President and Vice-President of the Philippines. On a case to case basis, exceptions are granted provided that ample lead time is given to the DVA,” the circular further said.

Asked what will happen to the security guards allegedly arrested for prohibiting Binay and his convoy from passing through a restricted gate in the village, the DVA office told INQUIRER.net that they would be retained if they want to.

“We have high regards for the current security guards assigned to our village. Thus they have been given priority to be absorbed by First Eagle Security to continue serving in Dasmariñas Village,” the circular said.

After news broke out of the incident last year, DVA general manager Mike Bucoy told INQUIRER.net  that their guards did nothing wrong and were just doing their job.

Related stories

3 Dasma guards who stopped Binay convoy held, freed

Binay camp on Dasma row: Guards volunteered to go with police 

Dasma incident: arrogance of power