THE Philippine National Police-Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) will not allow mall security guards to modify their uniforms into “full” Santa Claus costumes in shopping centers this coming holiday season.

CSG Director Maj. Gen. Leo Francisco warned mall guards against changing their uniforms from their regular livery as this could pose a security threat.

To prevent criminals from exploiting the practice, the CSG, the regulatory unit of PNP for private security agencies, would only limit minimal changes like changing guard caps to Santa Claus hats.

“But if they’d deviate from the uniform, we don’t allow that,” Francisco said in an Inquirer report. “Marami tayo kasing mga experiences na ito ay nagagamit ng mga kriminal o masasamang-loob. Kaya ‘yun ‘yong mga bagay na iniiwasan natin at iiwasan natin sa pagkakataong ito.”

Those who wish to change their uniforms from the prescribed uniform standards for the holiday season must secure first approval from CSG. Failure to do so might lead the security agency to face consequences, Francisco said.

Francisco said they are coordinating with mall operators and local police to strengthen security measures as the holiday rush is about to come when an influx of mall goers is expected at the shopping centers.

Records from the PNP showed that there’s a decrease in the number of crimes committed amid the start of the Christmas season. From September 1 to November 10 this year, the PNP lodged 5, 984 incidents, lower than the 7, 615 incidents recorded the same period last year.(LAO)

• Tags
• #Philippine National Police Civil Security Group
• #Mall Security Guards
• #Santa Claus Costume
• #Philippines
• #Holiday Season
• #Security Threat