Security Guard at SM Megamall Kicks Female Sampaguita Vendor While Shooing Her Away
SAMPAGUITA VENDOR vs SECURITY GUARD – A heartbreaking incident at SM Megamall captured in a viral video has sparked widespread outrage.
The video shows a young female student, who was selling sampaguita garlands in front of the mall, being harshly confronted by a security guard. As the girl stood holding her garlands and a box, the guard approached her, attempting to remove her from the premises, presumably following mall protocols against street vending.
However, the situation escalated. The guard forcibly snatched the garlands from the girl’s hands, destroying them in the process. The girl, visibly distressed, retaliated by hitting the guard with her remaining garlands. At one point, the guard appeared to kick the young girl, an act that drew strong condemnation from the public.
The video, widely shared on social media platforms like TikTok, elicited a flood of reactions. While some commenters sympathized with the guard’s obligation to enforce rules, the majority criticized the excessive force used against the girl. Many argued that a more compassionate approach could have been taken.
In response to the public outcry, SM Megamall issued a formal apology and announced the dismissal of the security guard involved. The mall management emphasized their regret and extended their sympathies to the girl. They stated that they had requested an immediate investigation by the security agency and assured that the guard would no longer be employed at any of their locations.
The incident ignited debates about street vendors’ treatment and security personnel’s responsibilities. Some netizens speculated that the guard was merely following orders from higher-ups. In contrast, others called for both the girl and the guard to receive fair treatment, including compensation and due process.
SM Megamall’s decision to terminate the guard was seen as a move to address the public’s concerns. However, some felt it was a superficial attempt to pacify the masses without addressing underlying issues of accountability and compassion in dealing with such situations.