The Mandaluyong police clarified on Friday that the young sampaguita vendor who went viral after being kicked out by a security guard in an EDSA mall is a real student, according to Edniel Parrosa's report.
The statement came after speculations from social media users claiming that the girl was part of a syndicate, was not a real student, and was merely begging for money.
"I-caclarify po natin na yung bata ay totoong estudyante. Infact nga po siya po ay scholar ng isang private institution. Matalinong bata," said PCol. Mary Grace Madayag, Chief of Police of Mandaluyong CPS, when interviewed by reporters.
The girl was identified as an 18-year-old student residing in Baesa, Quezon City. Authorities learned about her situation through the barangay where she resides.
Madayag disclosed that the child was working hard to support her family’s needs as their home had just been demolished and her parents are fruit vendors.
Meanwhile, police discovered that the viral video was taken on December 17 last year but only resurfaced recently.
In the video, the young vendor was seen being ejected by the security guard in front of the mall after refusing to leave. The security guard was also seen destroying her sampaguita garlands and kicking her.
The incident sparked widespread public outrage, with many condemning the security guard’s actions and saying the child did not deserve such treatment.
The management of SM Megamall has since dismissed the guard from his post, emphasizing the institution's commitment to inclusivity for all.
Possibility of Child Abuse
In a Thursday interview on Damdaming Bayan, Supreme Court Associate Justice Jhosep Ylarde Lopez was asked whether the security guard’s actions could be considered child abuse.
Lopez explained that the act might qualify as child abuse depending on the intent of the security guard.
"There was a portion in that video na medyo sinipa niya 'yung bata, medyo lumagpas siya roon," said Lopez.
"It may, I am not saying it is child abuse. It may amount [to child abuse]. Sa hearing, both sides will be heard kung ano ang intensyon ng security guard," he added.
The Philippine National Police – Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (PNP-SOSIA) earlier stated that they are conducting an investigation into the incident.
