FLOWER GIRL SHOOED A screengrab of the now-viral shopping mall incident

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday said it would look into the case of a female student who was handled roughly by a mall security guard as he tried to make her leave for selling sampaguita at the establishment’s entrance, an incident caught on video and had since gone viral.

This was after the DSWD learned that the student’s family was a former beneficiary of one of its poverty alleviation programs, the cash transfer scheme known as Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps).

Article continues after this advertisement

DSWD spokesperson Irene Dumlao said social workers would assess the situation of the student, identified as 22-year-old Jeny, to determine other interventions it can provide her family.

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Marcos: Enrile right on INC rally, but Duterte impeachment timing is off NEWSINFO PNP summons mall guard over viral video mistreating young vendor NEWSINFO Marcos: Nat’l food emergency seen to lower rice prices Sampaguita for school fees

Dumlao said DSWD’s ongoing Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP), designed for families who no longer qualify for the flagship antipoverty initiative 4Ps, can be extended to the student.

Those enrolled in the SLP are given a one-time grant of P15,000 as seed money for their small businesses or as a preemployment “training fund” to help them start their job application.

Article continues after this advertisement

Based on an interview conducted by DSWD’s social workers, the girl in the video is a college freshman student taking up medical technology and was selling sampaguita to have extra money for her schooling.

Article continues after this advertisement

The incident, which took place in front of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, happened days before Christmas last year, according to Jeny’s mother, Judith, who made the sampaguita garlands that were being sold.

Comments from top Federal Reserve officials suggesting they would like to see a slower pace of rate cuts tempered hopes for another bumper cut at the bank’s next meeting, while Middle East worries pushed gold to a new record.

Article continues after this advertisement

Judith’s husband also helps in selling the flowers, which helps the family raise some pocket money. The savings go to the student’s needs, according to DSWD personnel.

The agency has extended an initial cash assistance of P20,000 to the family who, according to DSWD, has no intention to press charges against the guard.

Article continues after this advertisement

In a statement on Thursday, SM Megamall said the guard had been dismissed and banned from working again at any SM mall.

“We regret and sympathize with the young girl who experienced an unfortunate incident outside our mall,” the management said, adding that it “promotes inclusivity for all.”

PNP summons guard, agency

Meanwhile, the Philippine National Police’s Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-Sosia) has summoned the mall guard and his security agency over the incident.

The Civil Security Group (CSG), Sosia’s unit within the PNP, said that based on an initial assessment the guard’s actions were a violation of ethical standards.

“We gave the security agency the responsibility of ensuring the attendance of the security guard in appearing before the Sosia,” said CSG spokesperson Lt. Col. Eudisan Gultiano.

Gultiano said an administrative complaint may already be filed against the summoned parties if they fail to show up.

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

free slots 7780 SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

The guard may be fined or suspendedc88 game, while the security agency may also be penalized, depending on the “gravity of their lapses or lack of action in handling the situation,” he added. — WITH A REPORT FROM INQUIRER.NET

READ NEXT Controversial teen pregnancy bill gets Marcos backing Yolanda survivors get sturdier homes EDITORS' PICK Marcos: JPE right on rally, but impeach timing is off Foul play eyed in OFW’s death in Kuwait SC ruling allows Aeta leader to challenge Zambales gov in May polls NPCC evaluates steps for DA to declare food security emergency China says population fell for third year in a row in 2024 MOST READ NLEX warns of heavy traffic on Jan. 18-19 due to PH Arena concert DSWD comes to viral sampaguita girl’s aid; PNP summons mall guard 3 high school students caught with marijuana in Batangas PH, China agree to honor provisional understanding on Ayungin trips Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments