Palace backs PNP’s move to hire security guards

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines—Palace backed on Wednesday the new implementation of the Philippine National Police to hire security guards to man the entry points of its official headquarters.

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said in a press briefing that President Benigno Aquino III has his full support to PNP’s move, which drew flak from the public questioning the P21 million annual budget allotted to the project.

“We’re addressing this concern of some people who are complaining the lack of police visibility in streets. With respect to the camp security, I think the PNP is very confident when they decided to issue that directive,” he added.

He stressed that the importance of hiring security guards to protect PNP’s national headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City is to deploy policemen on the streets rather than doing clerical work within the offices.

“President Aquino already said that it is better that all policemen are deployed outside the offices. What is the role of a policeman? To serve and protect the people,” Lacierda said.
Asked if the police officers will “respect” the security guards, Lacierda pointed out that why would there be even a question if the police will abide by the measures enforced by security guards in Camp Crame.

“Because they are security guard, policemen will not respect them? Bakit gano’n? We presume that we are all law abiding citizens,” he said.

Addressing criticisms that the security agency PNP will commission will be owned by corrupt retired generals, Lacierda assured that the police body will be transparent in the bidding process upon the implementation of the directive.

Chief Superintendent Reuben Theodore Sindac, PNP Public Information Office chief, meanwhile defended the P21 million budget saying that it is economical since it will cover the year-long salary of 80 to 100 security guards.

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