THE Armed Forces yesterday said Vice President Sara Duterte has enough military security escorts, and supported the PNP’s declaration there is no threat to her life.
Duterte has complained about the recall of 75 policemen assigned to her as security, and criticized PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil for the move.
AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla said the military is providing security to Duterte through the Vice Presidential Security Group (VPSG). About 400 soldiers are assigned to the VPSG.
The VPSG was placed by the Armed Forces under the Presidential Security Command as a “subordinate unit,” effective July 9. The VPSG used to be under the military’s direct control.
The soldiers securing Duterte are on top of the security detail provided by the PNP, through the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG).
Last month, the PNP pulled out 75 PSPG personnel, leaving only 31 policemen assigned to Duterte to augment personnel assigned with the National Capital Region Office.
Last Monday, Sen. Ronald dela Rosa asked Marbil to allow Duterte to select her own police escorts, even if he does not reinstate the 75 recalled policemen. Marbil agreed.
Padilla, in a press briefing at Camp Aguinaldo, said the 400 soldiers under the VPSG “are dedicated for the Vice President,” adding they act as close-in security and provide area security during Duterte’s engagements.
“Suffice to say that that would be enough,” she said.
If more security escorts are needed, Padilla said, soldiers outside the VPSG can be assigned to secure Duterte especially during large events.
Padilla said policemen, barangay officials and even Reserve Officers Candidate Corps cadets can also be tapped to help in securing the Vice President.
On whether there is a threat to the life of Duterte, Padilla noted the assessment of the PNP on this.
“The PNP has already spoken about that and our Chief PNP has stated that there is no threat to the life of the Vice President,” said Padilla.
“We take the stand of the Chief PNP in saying that there is no threat, imminent threat to the Vice President,” added Padilla.
Marbil on Monday told a Senate hearing the Vice President has 358 security escorts from the Armed Forces and 31 from the PNP, after the 75 policemen were recalled. He reiterated no threat against the Vice President has been monitored. Last month, he said the policemen were recalled to address lack of policemen in Metro Manila.
