The Mandaue City Prosecutor’s Office has dismissed the complaint against five men accused of acting as private security escorts for hit-and-run suspect Sean Andrew Pajarillo, citing lack of jurisdiction.
In an inquest resolution approved by Deputy City Prosecutor Sarah Vanessa Lacno-Tudtud, the office ruled it has no authority to act on the alleged violation of Republic Act 11917, or the Private Security Services Industry Act.
The men were accused of violating Section 16(d) of RA 11917, which penalizes individuals who practice the private security profession without a valid license.
The law sets penalties ranging from P50,000 to P100,000, to be imposed at the discretion of the Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).
“The provision specifically violated by the respondents carries a penalty that may be imposed at the discretion of the Chief of the PNP. This Office therefore has no authority to order or recommend its filing in court,” the resolution read.
The five men underwent inquest proceedings on Friday, February 13, at the Mandaue City Hall of Justice, a day after their arrest for allegedly attempting to enter Pajarillo’s hospital room while he was under hospital confinement.
The respondents include:
Alyas “Mar,” married, resident of Mandaue City
Alyas “Arko,” of legal age, resident of Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City
Alyas “Zar,” married, resident of Cebu City
Alyas “Choy,” single, resident of Lapu-Lapu City
Alyas “Yayan,” single, resident of Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City
Pajarillo is currently facing charges for a hit-and-run in Barangay Banilad, Cebu City, which resulted in the death of young entrepreneur Kingston Ralph Ko Cheng.
He posted bail of P72,000 for Reckless Imprudence Resulting in Homicide at the Regional Trial Court in Cebu City on February 13.
Police earlier reported that the men identified themselves as Pajarillo’s “private security” but failed to present licenses or documents showing affiliation with a registered security agency.
The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) Station 2 initiated the complaint under RA 11917.
Following the prosecutor’s resolution, the Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU) is now identified as the proper office to file or endorse the matter to the PNP Chief, who has the authority to impose penalties under the law.
“Sa ako nahibaw-an, ang RCSU ang mo-file ug mo-endorse ani sa opisina sa Chief PNP kay sila man ang adunay jurisdiction,” said MCPO spokesperson Police Lieutenant Colonel Mercy Villaro-Kantuna.
She added that the MCPO has no further action to take since the courts lack jurisdiction over the penalties prescribed under RA 11917.
Earlier, Atty. Nodger Jude Dalman, legal counsel for Pajarillo’s family, denied that the men were hired security escorts, describing them instead as acquaintances visiting Pajarillo as friends. (VCL)
