PNP cautions malls vs guards in Christmas costumes

SM Moa Paskong Pinoy 2024 | PHOTO: Official Facebook page of SM Mall of Asis

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) has cautioned mall security guards against modifying their uniforms as shopping centers prop up festive decor in time for the holidays.

In an interview with reporters at Camp Crame on Tuesday, CSG Director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco warned against deviating from the uniforms prescribed for mall security guards, saying it could pose a security threat.

“We’d have the experience where criminals exploited this with ill intent. That’s what we are avoiding and will avoid this season,” Francisco explained in Filipino.

“If the change is minimal, like a Santa Claus hat, we could give it a pass. But if they’d deviate from the uniform, we don’t allow that,” he added.

The CSG regulates private security agencies through its Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies.

When asked about measures to tighten security for the coming holiday rush, Francisco said the CSG was coordinating with local police.

The PNP previously touted a 21.42-percent decrease in crime amid the onset of the Christmas season, recording 5,984 incidents from September 1 to November 10, 2024.

READ: PNP aims to sustain decreased crime rate amid Christmas frenzy

It said this figure was 1,631 fewer than the 7,615 incidents recorded during the same period in 2023.