Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) is conducting a parallel investigation into a security firm whose personnel were involved in a fistfight with a teenager in Intramuros, Manila.

According to Philippines News Agency, the probe is being spearheaded by the Supervisory Office for Security and Investigation Agencies (SOSIA), a specialized unit under the PNP's Civil Security Group responsible for regulating, licensing, and supervising private security agencies.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated, "We are already looking into this incident, particularly on the aspect of training, proper conduct, and adherence to the rules and regulations as condition to the granting of the licenses."

Nartatez has tasked SOSIA to verify the validity of the security agency's license to operate, as well as the individual licenses of the security personnel involved in the altercation.

The incident occurred on Sunday when two Intramuros Administration security guards allegedly beat a 17-year-old boy who refused to comply with their instructions not to ride his bicycle at the Riverside Plaza Mexico Esplanade. As a result, the victim sustained injuries and required hospitalization.

Nartatez highlighted that the incident "underscores the need for stronger and more consistent training, especially on proper use of force, de-escalation, and handling of minors." The two guards are currently facing charges under Republic Act 7610 for the physical abuse of a minor.