Security personnel from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Law Enforcement Department (SBMA-LED), along with members of the Olongapo City Police Office (OCPO), prevented a distressed security guard at a company here from taking his own life on Monday.

A report from the SBMA-LED identified the guard as 55-year-old Reynaldo Matuguina Penilla, who is a resident of Barangay Barretto in Olongapo City.

Penilla is employed by the AGISS Security Services Incorporated, and assigned at the Subic Yokohama Trucks office located at 51-E Efficiency Street, Subic Bay Gateway Park.

The SBMA report said Penilla locked himself inside a room at the company grounds late Monday morning and threatened to kill himself.

SBMA-LED personnel under the command of Col. Alfredo Agustin Jr. and some Olongapo policemen under PMaj. Edmer Gloria responded to the scene and tried to talk Penilla out of committing suicide.

After three hours of negotiations, Penilla was subdued by arresting officers who also confiscated his 9-mm service firearm, including seven pieces of live ammunition.

Further investigation revealed that Penilla was under pressure and suffering from anxiety due to financial and family problems.

Olongapo policemen then brought Penilla to OCPO Station 3 for further investigation.