A 22-year-old sampaguita vendor at the center of a viral video incident has publicly apologized to the security guard involved. The guard lost his job following their confrontation outside a major mall in Mandaluyong City on December 17, 2024.
In an interview released by ABS-CBN News on January 19, 2025, the vendor expressed her regret, clarifying that she never intended for the security guard to be dismissed from his position. However, she also admitted to feeling anxious about potential retaliation from the guard.
“I want to say sorry to him. I didn’t mean for him to lose his job,” the vendor said in Filipino. She emphasized that the mall management made the decision to terminate the guard’s employment and that she had no role in it.
“I’m just a victim of the incident posted on social media. I apologize if I did anything wrong,” she added.
The vendor denied allegations that she cursed or spat at the guard during the encounter, which reportedly escalated when the guard tried to remove her from the premises for selling sampaguita in an area under the mall’s jurisdiction.
Fear of retaliation
The vendor admitted she is worried about the possibility of the security guard seeking revenge. “I’ve thought about him being angry and possibly coming after me. Maybe one day he’ll wait for me outside my school or where I sell sampaguita again,” she shared. “I’m not overthinking, but I fear it could happen.”
The vendor addressed rumors circulating on social media, including claims that she was begging or part of a syndicate. “I wasn’t begging that day. The cardboard sign I held only said, ‘Merry Christmas.’ Some people gave me small gifts, but I wasn’t asking for alms,” she clarified.
She also explained why she wore a high school uniform despite being a student at St. Jude College, where she is taking up Medical Technology. “It’s my old junior high school uniform. I only have one uniform for college, and I wear my old one while the other is being washed. I wear it to look presentable, not to deceive anyone,” she said.
Reflecting on the experience, the vendor said she learned the importance of patience and respecting boundaries. Despite her apology and explanation, public sympathy has begun to shift toward the security guard, who not only lost his job but now faces the possibility of administrative charges.
Privacy concerns and emotional toll
The vendor revealed that her personal information had been leaked online, which disrupted her life and caused her significant distress. “I just want a quiet life and my privacy back. I didn’t intend for any of this to happen,” she said.
As of now, the dismissed security guard has not issued a public statement regarding the incident or his plans for the future.
This viral episode has sparked discussions about labor rights, vendor regulations, and the impact of social media on public perception. Netizens are divided about who should bear the greater responsibility for the unfortunate outcome.
