Private security guards are now manning the gates of the Philippine National Police (PNP) General Headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City as more police officers have been deployed in actual police duty.

The PNP announced on Monday that around 70 security guards have been assigned to secure the premises of the headquarters where high profile inmates are currently detained for various offenses.

PNP Director for Operations, Police Director Ricardo Marquez, said in a statement that the deployment of private security guards is a move to improve police visibility in the streets.

The guards, who will be working in three eight-hour shifts a day, are from the Right Eight Security Agency Inc.

Besides manning the main gate, the security guards are also tasked to secure other camp facilities, including the Officer’s Row Gate, the Transformation Oval Parking lot, National Headquarters Lobby, National Headquarters Back Parking, National Headquarters North Wing, and National Headquarters South Wing.

Several security guards will also serve as roving guards at the camp.

Chief Supt. Alberto Supapo, director of the PNP Headquarters Support Services (HSS) office, said that the security guards have undergone a three-day briefing prior to their assignment, to orient them on their duties and responsibilities.

Supapo added that the guards were also briefed on the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) of Camp Crame during different alert status.

However, some police personnel will remain to assist the private security guards during the transition period.