By Ruffy Magbanua
MANILA — The Alliance of Certified Enforcers (ACE) Party-List is poised to unpack landmark measures that will uplift the work conditions of the thousands security guards and tanods nationwide.
ACE Party-List Ist Nominee Erwin Culanag told Mindanao Daily News that a comprehensive plan to change the economic and work landscape of the country’s security workforce gets top agenda in the 20th Congress.
Among the priorities that ACE Party-List will go through are the following security issues with proposed solutions: 1. Low pay and meager benefits. Solution: Security guards deserve standardize pay and receive hazard incentives. 2. Lack of training: One of the challenges faced by security guards is the lack of proper training. Without adequate training, security guards may not know how to handle security incidents effectively, which may compromise their ability to provide security. Solution: There is a need to invest in comprehensive training programs for security guards and tanods including physical training, defensive tactics, emergency response, and customer service. 3.High-risk Work Environment: Security guards and barangay tanods work in high-risk environments where they face potential danger every day. This can include physical assaults, robberies, and other violent incidents. Solution: To mitigate this, security guards and barangay tanods shall be provided with necessary safety equipment, such as defense weapon, safety boots and more. Guards must be provided with regular safety training on how to protect themselves in dangerous situations. 4.Long working hours: Security guards often work long and irregular hours, which can lead to fatigue and burnout. This can affect their ability to stay alert and vigilant while on duty. Solution: Implement shift rotations that allow guards to get enough rest between shifts. Provide guards with breaks during their shift to help them stay alert. 5.Dealing with difficult people: Security guards may have to deal with difficult people, such as aggressive or intoxicated individuals. This can be challenging and stressful, and may require de-escalation techniques to diffuse the situation. Solution: Provide security guards with trainings on how to handle difficult people effectively, including how to use verbal communication to calm them down. 6.Monitoring and Reporting: Security guards are responsible for monitoring and reporting any security incidents that occur on their watch. This can include writing incident reports and communicating with law enforcement officials. Solution: Provide guards with proper documentation, training and equipment, such as radios, to help them document and report incidents accurately.
Security guards face several challenges in their job, but with proper training, safety equipment, and support from their employers, they can overcome these challenges and provide effective security services, Culanag added.
###
