Security guards in costume? Albayalde says no problem, get permit

There is no problem if security guards of hotels and malls will wear costumes rather than their uniforms as long as they get permission from the Philippine National Police-Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA).

This was the advise of PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde after a security agency was fined P400,000 after its security guards at a Quezon City mall was flagged for wearing a Christmas costume — similar to Vatican Swiss guards — without the knowledge of and permit from police authorities.

The PNP-SOSIA, which oversees operation of the security agencies, regulate the use of costumes by security guards on-duty since criminals are also known to suit up disguises, including uniforms of security personnel, to carry out crimes.

Albayalde told INQUIRER.net in a text message that security guards in malls and hotels can follow the establishments theme by wearing a certain costume “if they ask clearance from SOSIA.”

In a radio interview, however, Albayalde said he is still verifying if the PNP-SOSIA issued a memorandum specifically on the wearing of costumes by on-duty security guards.

The PNP chief agreed that Santa outfits “attract friendship” among mall goers and mall employees.

But he noted that “strictly speaking” security guards have prescribed uniform just like police officers. /kga