The mall security guard involved in the viral “Sampaguita girl” incident has filed a counter-affidavit in response to the controversy, the Philippine National Police – Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) confirmed.
He appeared before the PNP-CSG on Monday, accompanied by a representative from his security agency, to address the incident captured in a widely circulated video. The footage shows the guard in a confrontation with a young girl selling sampaguita flowers at a mall in Mandaluyong City.
“Nag-submit na ng counter-affidavit ang nasabing security guard, kasama ang counter-affidavit ng security agency,” PNP-CSG spokesperson, Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano, told reporters in Camp Crame in an interview on Friday morning.
“Hindi siya personally nag-appear, pero yung representative ng security agency,” she added.
With the submission of counter-affidavits, the preliminary evaluation process will now begin. Over the next seven days, officials will assess whether there is enough evidence to pursue a formal complaint against the guard.
The law, known as the Private Security Services Industry Act, outlines the ethical standards and decorum expected from security workers. If the guard is found to have violated these standards, the PNP-CSG could take disciplinary action. Gultiano emphasized that the investigation would also consider the severity of the incident. If aggravating factors are found, the maximum penalty could include the cancellation of the security guard’s license.
The video sparked outrage after the guard attempted to remove the girl from the mall, eventually grabbing and destroying her sampaguita garlands during the exchange. The security agency later dismissed the guard from the mall and issued an apology for his actions.
The case will proceed with a summary hearing if a formal complaint is filed, and a hearing officer will aim to resolve the matter within 30 days.