PREVAILING THREATS TO BANKS AS PERCEIVED BY SELECTED BANK SECURITY PERSONNEL IN THE PROVINCE OF QUEZON

This study aimed to determine the different threats to the security of banks categorized into universal and cooperative banks. To facilitate the study, the descriptive-comparative method of research was used. The respondents included the selected guards assigned in these two categories of banks in the two cities and municipalities of Quezon Province along the national highway from Tiaong to Calauag. Quota sampling was used in selecting the respondents from universal and commercial banks in Lucena City, Tayabas City, and municipalities of Tiaong, Candelaria, Sariaya, Pagbilao, Atimonan, Plaridel, Gumaca, Lopez and Calauag in Quezon Province. Five respondents were chosen from each bank. Percentage, ranking, and Mann-Whitney U test were utilized in processing the results of the study. Results revealed that the universal and cooperative banks in Quezon province are usually protected by male security personnel who are mostly high school graduates but with adequate trainings in bank security for those who are assigned in universal banks. Based on the views of security personnel, robbery is the most common threats inside the banks and in armored car while on transit. Agaw-armas groups also post a threat particularly to banks with only one security personnel. There are various challenges and problems faced by universal and cooperative banks in Quezon province particularly if the banks are located in areas susceptible to robbery. Likewise, it was disclosed by the security personnel that the current road widening of the DPWH in the entire country also causes unintended consequences to banks because criminals are taking advantage of the newly built drainage system. Laxity on the part of untrained security personnel definitely affects the safety of the banks. This is particularly true if there is frequent turnover of security personnel that makes them unfamiliar with the protection system of the banks. The inadequacy of security equipment like ammunitions, metal detector and two-way radios, and availability of CCTV cameras without detailed security personnel in charge of monitoring definitely pose challenges and problems to the security of banks. Though, there are possible threats, challenges and problems, the universal and cooperative banks in Quezon Province made efforts to protect the welfare of their respective clients and personnel by providing electronics and human barriers. Due to wider business venture of universal banks, they are more prone to criminal attacks compared to cooperative banks. However, the cooperative banks face significant greater challenges than universal bank due to laxity and frequent turnover of security personnel, inadequate supplies of security equipment and other significant security aspect due to smaller business venture. To address the threats and challenges to security of different banks in Quezon Province, a proposed preventive security measures can help enhance the implementation of their current security measures.