Is 12-hour duty affecting minds, bodies of security guards?

Senators on Monday looked into the possible reasons for the involvement of some security guards in assault and criminal offenses. 

At a hearing, Senator Raffy Tulfo raised concerns about the 12-hour work schedule of security guards, saying it might be affecting their well-being. 

“Marami sa mga security guards hindi trained. Marami sa mga security guards ay overworked, underpaid and because of that sila po ay stressed na stressed,” Tulfo said in Dano Tingcungco's report on “24 Oras."

(A lot of security guards are not trained. They are  also overworked and underpaid, causing them severe stress.)

Some security guards are suffering from delayed salaries and are also being asked to fulfill other duties such as working as parking attendants, cleaning, and answering telephone calls, the report said. 

“We will examine employment records for at least three years, interview the employees, and inspect work premises to turning the labor compliance with the labor general standards,” said Department of Labor and Employment Rep Jovelyn Esguerra.

Lawmakers also discussed the possibility of mandating an annual neuropsychological examination for security guards, which will be shouldered by their agencies. 

“I think 12 hours might be the culprit sa mental and physical dealing ng ating mga security guards that might affect their disposition,” said Napolcom Commissioner Edilberto Leonardo. 

(I think 12 hours might be the culprit in the mental and physical dealing of security guards and that might affect their disposition.)

“Ako, medyo malakas pa ko. 'Yung 12 hours mahirap na straight duty yan eh,” he said. 

(A 12-hour duty is not easy.)

For its part, the Philippine National Police Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies  (PNP-SOSIA) told senators some security agencies are still operating without or having expired licenses to operate (LTO). 

At least 1,000 agencies were ordered to cease by the PNP-SOSIA. —Sundy Locus/LDF, GMA Integrated News