Davide to Terminate Black Pearl from Capitol

Despite Gov. Hilario Davide III’s announcement the other day that they have already terminated the services of Black Pearl Security Agency, there were still blue guards from said security agency at the Capitol as of yesterday.

“Maybe they are slowly pulling out na, pursuant to my instructions nga disengagement sa ilang services sa Capitol,” said Davide when interviewed by reporters.

Davide said he has already instructed Provincial General Services Officer Jone Siegfried Sepe to get in touch with Black Pearl and inform them that they should pack their things already. Despite the lack of a contract, Black Pearl blue guards had been at the Capitol and all the provincial government’s properties since June 1, after Tactical Security Agency’s contract had elapsed last May 31. Black Pearl was among those who bid for the multi-million contract to secure all the provincial government’s properties.

The governor reiterated he won’t pay for the services rendered by Black Pearl, as their was no prior agreement that the province should pay them in case they lost in the bidding. The said security agency won in the bidding but out of the blue the Bids and Awards Committee, which is headed by provincial lawyer Orvi Ortega, had decided to not award the contract yet, reportedly because the said agency did not meet the entire requirements to qualify.

“They offered to assume the services of securing the capitol and its properties. There was no talk about compensation. Apil na sa risgo lagi. If they want to claim payment they have the COA,” Davide said.

Davide said while waiting for BAC to announce the winning bidder, the Capitol will temporarily deploy its civil security unit personnel at the Capitol. He said they will also make a request to the PNP to provide them police personnel to temporarily secure the province’s properties.