Region 1 - After at least forty (40) security guards got their checks the previous year on two separate RFAs amounting to at least P400, 000.00 worth of money claims from Advance Forces Security Agency, ten (10) more employees of the said agency followed suit.

 

SEADO Felicidad Q. Corpuz received the RFA from Mr. Eduardo T. Racca and nine (9) others on February 18, 2013. The guards are all locals of the province of Ilocos Sur posted at National Food Authority offices in the 1st and 2nd district of the province. They sought the assistance of the Office through the SENA program for the payment of their salary increase, and holidays and back pays.

 

The guards met with Mr. Pleguente Casta, management representative, on March 1, 2013 at the RCMB1 Conference Room. During the said conference, the requesting parties were informed by Mr. Casta that their issues are already being addressed by the management.

 

"Your claims have already been brought to attention, currently processed, and are scheduled for release on the 27th of the month," Mr. Casta told the guards.

 

Before the said date of release, Sr. LEO Corpuz received notification that the guards' money claims are ready for payout on the 19th.

 

On March 19, 2013, SEADO Corpuz met with both parties, the management being represented by Mr. Amadeo L. Dia-o who brought the checks with him for release. Mr. Racca and nine (9) other guards personally received their money amounting to a total of P127, 721.00.

 

In a separate RFA filed by Omar Arquitola and two others against Urduja Security Services, Incorporated on March 1, 2013, Arquitola complained about illegal dismissal and others about underpayment of wages and non-payment of SSS and Philhealth premiums.

 

At the conference scheduled on March 22, 2013, Arquitola was reinstated with new assignment at Cebuana Lhuillier, Bacnotan, La Union as informed by Mr. Raymond Javier, Area Operations Manager for Urduja. His companions will also be given their salary augmentation and premiums to SSS and Philhealth are to be effected immediately.

 

(Lester B. Panem)