PNP shuts down John Hay secu firm; another probed

By Melody Brawner

BAGUIO CITY -- The Philippine National Police’s  Civil Security Group has shutdown the security agency of the Sobrepena-led CJH Development Corp. here in Camp John Hay after it was discovered operating  the past eight months with an expired license, the state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority said.

The Sobrepena-led Warbird Security and Investigation Agency, Inc. was issued a cease to operate order by the PNP Civil Security Group signed by Chief Supt. Elmer Ragadio Soria, CSG officer in charge.

“We are not surprised at this development. This just shows the kind of business that CJHDevCo has been conducting in Camp John Hay not to mention its total disregard for the rule of law," BCDA president Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said.

BCDA head for security operations retired general Carlos F. Quita said Warbird Security and Investigation Agency was not only operating without a license the past eight months, but their guards were armed with guns making them liable for illegal possession of firearms.

Based on the COO dated May 19,2015 the license to operate of Warbird Security and Investigation Agency, Inc. expired on Sept. 30, 2014. 

Pursuant to Section 11(c), Rule IV of the 2003 Revised Rules and Regulations Implementing RA 5487, "an LTO not renewed 60 days after the expiry date shall automatically be cancelled.

The COO stated:"Warbird Security and Investigation Agency,Inc. is hereby directed to cease its operation effective
immediately."

The COO also directed Warbird Security to turn-over all its firearms for safekeeping to the Storage Branch, Firearms and Explosives Office,Civil Security Group, in Camp Crame, Quezon city or nearest police regional office within 15 days upon receipt of the COO.

Another security agency  hired by the Sobrepena-led CHJDevCo is now in hot water for operating within Camp John Hay without permit and for entering into contract with a client whose property  has an existing conflict  with another party without the  written permission of the police.

Eagle Corinthian Integrated Security, Inc.  is now the subject of investigation by the PNP Civil Security Group. 

The CJHDevCo-hired security agency  is reportedly in violation of sub-para A5 of paragraph 2, Section VIII of Standing Operating Procedure (SOP) No. 007-08 which states: "No  PSA [Private Security Agency] shall enter into contract with any client whose property/establishment has an existing conflict of claim, ownership, management or administration of properties/establishment with another party, without written permission from the police that has jurisdiction of the property/establishment."

Quita said the “uncalled for unauthorized deployment of Eagle Corinthian Integrated Security, Inc.  within Camp John Hay demonstrates CJHDevCo's strengthening of its security forces in contravention to intent and spirit of SOP No. 007-08.”

"Eagle Security may have been deployed to avert the Baguio Sheriff in implementing the writ of execution issued by the Regional Trial Court for CJHDevCo and all persons claiming rights to them to vacate the properties in Camp John Hay," Quita said.

Eagle Corinthian Integrated Security, Inc.  is also reportedly operating in CampJohn Hay without a permit from the John Hay Management Corporation--the management arm of the BCDA in  625-hectare  John Hay Special Economic Zone and Reservation Area.

If found guilty Eagle Corinthian Integrated Security, Inc. faces penalties that include payment of fines and the revocation of its license.

"I would like to enjoin both CJHDevCo and its security providers Warbird Security and  Eagle Security to respect and abide to the Cease to Operate Order  and the Standing Operating Procedure issued by Civil Security Group of the PNP. This will play a significant role to preserve and promote peace and order in Camp John Hay," Quita said.