NICK Sumagaysay and Elwen Merle are no ordinary private security guards. Last October 24, they risked their lives and limbs in trading shots with a group of motorcycle-riding thieves in Muntinlupa City, killing one of the armed suspects and foiling their attempt to steal P380,000 in cash from their target.

“We recognize the bravery displayed by the two security guards. This is a fine example of how private security guards play a major role in keeping peace and order and foiling criminality in the country,” said Philippine National Police Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) director, Chief Supt. Roque G. Ramirez as he led his men in honoring Sumagaysay and Merle in Camp Crame.

Ramirez, joined by PNP Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) officer-in-charge, Senior Supt. Buenaventura M. Viray Jr. and Philippine Association of Detective and Protective Agency Operators (PADPAO) president Ramon D. Bergado, gave a special citation for bravery to the two guards who foiled the daring attempt to rob a bank depositor in Muntinlupa City.

Each guard also received P5,000 from the PADPAO for their feat.

“Sumagaysay and Merle are fine example of brave security guards who will risk their lives in the performance of their duties,” said Ramirez after giving the letter of commendation to the two guards.

Viray said the two guards were manning their post at the Allied Bank branch in Bellevue Hotel, Northgate Orientlane Cyberzone in Filinvest, Alabang, Muntinlupa City, when they noticed the three suspects trying to rob Hayde Tolentino, cashier of Prime Consortium Lending Institution and her driver Jenco Batoon at 1:10 p.m. last October 24.   

Unmindful of their personal safety, the two guards who were armed with shotguns responded and engaged the suspects in a firefight which resulted in the death of one of the suspects. The two other robbers escaped on board two motorcycles.