PNP PULLS OUT 75 POLICEMEN ASSIGNED TO VP SARA

admin July 24, 2024

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) pulled out the 75 police personnel assigned to provide security to Vice President Sara Duterte.

The Vice President confirmed the recall of all the members of the PNP Police and Security Group assigned to protect her.

“I confirm that on 22 July 2024, an Order was issued by the Chief of the Philippine National Police relieving all of the 75 PNP Police and Security Group personnel that were previously assigned for my protection,” she said in a statement.

Duterte said that PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil’s order would not affect her work in the Office of the Vice President.

“I do hope, however, that with this latest directive of the Chief PNP, we hear less cries from the people regarding the proliferation of drugs in the country, and that even fewer shall fall victim to various criminal activities,” the Vice President said.

“Tuloy-tuloy pa rin ang ating trabaho upang makapaghatid tayo ng serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan — lalung-lalo na sa mga liblib o underserved communities sa ating bansa,” she added.

Marbil explained that the pull out is not political but meant to rationalize the deployment of their men.

He said they need more officers to be assigned on the streets to further boost peace and order measures, particularly in urban areas.

“They are saying that she is being singled out. No. We need more policemen on the ground and even retired generals, so we pulled out their security because we need more men on the ground,” said the country’s top cop.

The PNP chief said the security of the Vice President is no longer under their jurisdiction but with the Presidential Security Command (PSC).

He added that they coordinated with the Office of the Vice President prior to the recall of her police security detail.

Meanwhile, PSC commander Nelson Morales said they are ready to ensure the security of the Vice President after she was stripped of police security escorts.

“The Presidential Security Command is ready to ensure the security and safety of the Vice President,” Morales on Tuesday (July 23) said.