ILL EQUIPPED
Security guards not well trained to detect terrorists

By Erly C. Garcia

Senior Supt. Isagani Cuevas, deputy director for operations of Police Regional Office VI, admitted that security guards are not really well trained to detect terrorists thus could not guarantee the safety of the public in the light of security threats.

Cuevas said security guards do not have the necessary equipment to detect bombs or other weapons used to sow terror.

Cuevas made the revelation during a briefing on security and anti-terrorism sponsored by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) last Friday.

The briefing was attended by representatives from the academe, local government units, national government agencies and the media.

Cuevas said, last month PRO 6 sent personnel to check on security guards and other agencies hired by establishments.

He said they have found out that most of the security agencies are very lax and that they do not know how to implement the proper rules and regulations regarding security measures against terrorism.

Cuevas said PRO 6 is already working on having a linkage with the various security agencies.

He said they would let them upgrade their equipment and give them proper training.

During the briefing, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), represented by Brig. Gen. Antonio Sevilla, asst. Division Commander, 3rd Infantry Division, Philippine Army, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) sought the full support and cooperation of the local government units (LGUs), non government organizations (NGOs) and the community in the anti-terrorism campaign.

The two officials noted that terrorists have all the capabilities to sow terror whenever and wherever they want that is why the community should be vigilant all the time.