'Sampaguita Girl' is a 22-year-old medtech student, parents say

The sampaguita vendor involved in a viral video outside SM Megamall on December 17 has been identified as “Marie,” a 22-year-old first-year medical technology student, according to her parents.

In a 24 Oras report by Chino Gaston, Marie’s parents expressed outrage over the incident.

“Masakit sa kalooban kasi akong nanay hindi ko sila nahampas ng ganyan. Masakit kasi ginawa nila sa anak ko, na sinipa parang ganoon naghahanap-buhay ng maayos,” said Marie’s mother.

(It’s painful as a mother because I never hit her like that. It hurts that they kicked her while she was making an honest living,)

Marie’s father explained the circumstances leading to the altercation: “Nakikiupo lang siya kasi umaambon ng time na yun.… Eh ngayon dumating ang guard. Pilit siya pinapaaalis. Ang anak ko na yan pag alam niya tama siya ipaglalaban niya sarili niya eh hanggat hindi nagkakaunawaan, hinablot ngayon ang sampaguita.”

(She was just sitting there because it was drizzling. Then the guard came and forced her to leave. My daughter will defend herself when she knows she’s in the right. But when they got into an argument, he grabbed her sampaguita.)

Marie has three other siblings. She has a twin sister studying nursing, as well as siblings aged 19 and 23. Selling flowers earns her between P1,500 and P2,000 daily, which she uses to cover tuition, travel, and daily expenses.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has since extended P20,000 in aid to Marie. They noted that Marie wore a high school uniform to school due to financial constraints.

“Dahil nga mahirap sila, kung anong available na uniform ay ‘yun po ginagamit nila,” said DSWD Assistant Secretary Irene Dumlao.

(Because of their situation, they use whatever uniform is available.)

The DSWD also plans to explore additional ways to support Marie’s sampaguita business.

Marie and her family have expressed willingness to forgive the security guard involved.

“Hindi na kami mag-ano ng kaso... Malay mo may pamilya siya na nag-aaral kagaya sa amin… Naawa kami kasi parehas lang kami na kumakain ng ano,” said Marie’s mother.

(We won’t file charges. Maybe he has children in school too. We feel bad for him because, like us, he’s just trying to earn a living,)

Despite the family’s decision, the Philippine National Police announced plans to pursue an administrative case against the guard.

“Binibigyan po natin sila next week ng specific date na mag-appear sa ating opisina. Sakaling hindi siya lumutang, pati yung agency, magi-initiate na po tayo ng formal filing ng administrative complaint,” said PNP Civil Security Group Spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Eudisan Gultiano.

(We have given them a specific date next week to appear at our office. If they don’t comply, including the agency, we will formally file an administrative complaint.) — Jiselle Anne Casucian/DVM/VBL, GMA Integrated News