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The viral sampaguita vendor has spoken out for the first time following the termination of the security guard involved in their controversial confrontation outside a popular Mandaluyong City mall.
The incident, captured in a video that circulated widely online, has sparked debates over rules, compassion, and justice.
In an interview with ABS-CBN News on January 18, 2024, the first-year Medical Technology student expressed her desire to apologize to the security guard:
“Gusto ko po humingi ng sorry sa kanya, and at the same time hindi ko po ginusto na matanggal siya sa trabaho.”
The controversy began when a video showed the security guard forcibly removing the young vendor from the mall’s premises. The footage also revealed the guard allegedly destroying the girl’s sampaguita garlands, prompting outrage from netizens and celebrities alike.
Mall management issued a statement confirming that the security guard had been dismissed and banned from working in any of their branches. The Philippine National Police (PNP) Civil Security Group also initiated an administrative investigation, which may result in the revocation of the guard’s professional license.
The vendor’s parents expressed their emotions over the incident in an interview with GMA Integrated News. Her mother shared the pain of witnessing her daughter’s experience: “Masakit daw sa kalooban ang nangyari dahil hindi raw niya pinagbuhatan ng kamay ang anak.”
Her father added that the student was merely seeking shelter from the rain when the guard approached her: “Nakisilong lang daw ang anak dahil umaambon ng mga sandaling iyon.”
He also defended his daughter’s reaction, stating that she typically stands her ground when she believes she is in the right.
The incident ignited a range of reactions online. While some supported the vendor’s plight, others sympathized with the security guard, pointing out that he was simply performing his job.
Social media personality Rosmar Tan has offered assistance to both parties. She expressed her willingness to find the security guard and provide him with job opportunities.
Despite the public’s divided opinions, the vendor emphasized that she never intended for the guard to lose his job. Meanwhile, calls for fairness and proper investigation continue, as many netizens argue that suspension and dialogue should have been prioritized over immediate termination.
