Security Guard Submits Counter-Affidavit Over Incident with Sampaguita Girl
SAMPAGUITA GIRL INCIDENT – The security guard involved in the controversial altercation with a Sampaguita vendor outside a mall has submitted a counter-affidavit for the ongoing administrative investigation.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Eudisan Gultiano, chief of the Philippine National Police-Civil Security Group’s (PNP-CSG) public information office, the guard’s counter-affidavit was submitted through a representative from his agency. Representatives of the security agency also appeared before the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) on January 20 to participate in the inquiry.
The Sampaguita vendor, seen in a viral video wearing a high school uniform, has been formally notified by the CSG to present her side in the next phase of the investigation. The incident, captured in the viral video, showed the security guard arguing with the vendor before forcibly snatching and destroying her flower garlands. In response, the vendor hit the guard with her remaining flowers, after which the guard appeared to kick her.
It was later revealed that the vendor is a 22-year-old first-year medical technology student. Her parents explained that she wears a high school uniform to attract more customers while selling flowers to cover her tuition, travel, and daily expenses as a scholar.
Following the incident, SM Megamall announced that the security guard had been dismissed. Meanwhile, the CSG reiterated the importance of adhering to the Private Security Personnel Creed and the Code of Ethical Standards for security professionals.
Redeye Management, the guard’s agency, issued a public apology and assured the public that due process is being followed. The agency emphasized the importance of de-escalation and professionalism in security work, underscoring the need for empathy and compassion. Redeye pledged to remind their personnel of these values to prevent similar incidents in the future and reaffirmed their commitment to inclusivity and ethical conduct.