The family of sampaguita vendor, who went viral after being kicked out by a security guard infront of a mall, is still undecided if they were to file charges against against both the guard and the vlogger who posted the incident.
According to PCol. Mary Grace Madayag, Chief of Police at Mandaluyong City Police Station, the 18-year-old medical technology student was initially hesitant to file a complaint in order to avoid further disruption to her studies.
Both the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Commission on Human Rights (CHR), which has provided a lawyer, have reached out to the woman's family.
“Sa ngayon po, kagabi, wala pa po talaga silang plano kung magf-file po talaga ng case against the security guard at doon sa vlogger na nag-upload ng video na ‘yon," Madayag explained.
“Mayroon na nga po siyang lawyer na pinrovide po ng Commission on Human Rights,” she added.
Madayag further stated that the PNP has already identified the person who recorded the video that later went viral, which actually took place on December 17.
Furthermore, the vlogger was initially asked to take down the post, but it still resurfaced on various social media platforms.
The 18-year-old, who hails from Quezon City, was said to be selling sampaguita to make ends meet, given that her parents are fruit vendors.
According to reports, the young vendor worked diligently to support her family's needs, especially after their home had recently been demolished.
The viral video showed the security guard destroying the sampaguita flowers the child was selling while forcibly escorting her out of the mall. He was also seen kicking the child.
In response, the young girl struck the security guard with the damaged sampaguita she was trying to sell.
The management of SM Megamall subsequently dismissed the security guard, condemning his actions and reaffirming their commitment to fostering inclusivity.
In an exclusive interview with DZRH's Damdaming Bayan on Thursday, Supreme Court Associate Justice Jhosep Ylarde Lopez was asked if the security guard’s actions could be considered child abuse.
Lopez clarified that the act could potentially qualify as child abuse, depending on the intent behind the security guard’s actions.
The Philippine National Police – Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) is currently investigating the incident.
