Table of Contents
Introduction
In a recent incident that has sparked widespread outrage, SM Megamall has dismissed a security guard who was caught on video mistreating a young sampaguita vendor outside their mall. The disturbing footage, which went viral on social media, shows the security guard aggressively confronting a 10-year-old girl selling flowers. The video quickly gained attention, leading to calls for justice and immediate action from the mall management.
What Happened in the Viral Video?
The video, which has been widely circulated, shows a security guard engaging in a verbal argument with the young girl who was selling sampaguita flowers outside SM Megamall. The girl, who was in school uniform, had set up her flower bundles in the public area near the mall entrance.
As the exchange escalates, the guard aggressively snatches the girl’s flowers, ripping and destroying them in front of her.
As the guard continues to argue, the girl attempts to defend herself by hitting the guard with the destroyed flowers. This physical altercation only worsens the situation, with the guard responding in a retaliatory manner, further escalating the confrontation. The incident was alarming, especially due to the young age of the vendor involved.
SM Megamall’s Response
In a swift response to the viral video, SM Megamall issued a statement condemning the actions of the security guard. The mall expressed regret for the unfortunate incident and offered their sympathies to the young girl involved.
They stated that the behavior exhibited by the guard was unacceptable and against the values upheld by SM Supermalls, particularly in promoting inclusivity and respect for all individuals.
“We regret and sympathize with the young girl who experienced an unfortunate incident outside our mall,” SM Megamall said in their official statement. “We have called the attention of the security agency to conduct an immediate and thorough investigation. The security guard has been dismissed and will no longer be allowed to service any of our malls.”
SM Megamall also emphasized their commitment to upholding values of fairness and inclusion, making it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated within their establishment.
Investigation into the Incident
Following the viral incident, the Philippine National Police – Civil Security Group (CSG) initiated an administrative investigation into the security guard’s actions. The Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA) is actively conducting the probe to determine the liabilities of both the security guard and his agency.
According to Police Lieutenant Colonel Eudisan Gultiano, the investigation is being handled with urgency and fairness. “Agad-agad po inaksyunan ng opisina ng SOSIA ang nasabing insidente,” Gultiano said in an interview with GMA News Online.
“Sila po ay kasalukuyan isinisagawa ang administrative investigation laban sa gwardia at ang maaring pananagutan nito at ng kanyang ahensya,” she added, assuring that the probe would be thorough and impartial.
Public Outcry and Social Media Reaction
The incident quickly went viral on social media platforms, prompting a wave of public outrage. Netizens expressed their shock and anger over the mistreatment of the young vendor, calling for justice and accountability. Many people voiced their support for the girl, with some sharing their own experiences of similar injustices.
The hashtag #JusticeForSampaguitaVendor became widely used as part of the collective call for action.
Conclusion
The dismissal of the security guard by SM Megamall is a clear message that the mall values respect, fairness, and inclusivity for all individuals, regardless of their background or socio-economic status. While the incident was unfortunate, the swift response from the mall and the ongoing investigation into the matter send a strong signal that such actions will not be tolerated.
The case also serves as a reminder of the need for better treatment of street vendors, especially minors, who often face exploitation and mistreatment in public spaces.
This incident has sparked important conversations about how society should treat vulnerable individuals and the role that private institutions like SM Megamall play in ensuring the safety and dignity of everyone.
FAQs
What happened in the viral video?
The viral video showed a security guard from SM Megamall destroying a 10-year-old girl’s sampaguita flowers and physically confronting her.
Why did SM Megamall dismiss the guard?
SM Megamall dismissed the guard after condemning his actions as inappropriate and inconsistent with the mall’s values of inclusivity and respect for all individuals.
Is there an ongoing investigation?
Yes, the Philippine National Police’s Civil Security Group (CSG) is conducting an administrative investigation into the security guard’s behavior and his agency’s potential liabilities.
What is SM Megamall doing about this?
SM Megamall has apologized for the incident and taken immediate action to dismiss the security guard. They have also stated their commitment to promoting a safe and inclusive environment for all customers and vendors.
Disclaimer
The information presented in this article: SM Megamall FIRES Guard After Shocking Viral Vendor Video is based on available reports as of the time of writing. While efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, details may evolve as further investigations unfold.
The views expressed in this article are for informational purposes only and do not reflect the opinions or positions of SM Megamall, the security agency involved, or any other entities mentioned.
TechWirings does not endorse or explicitly support any views or actions expressed in this content.
