PNP chief clarifies recall of VP's security detail

PHILIPPINE National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil on Wednesday clarified that Vice President Sara Duterte was not singled out in his move to recall her 75 police security escorts, saying it was part of the reassignment process to enhance anti-criminality campaigns.

Marbil said that 373 personnel from the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) were recalled from various government and private protectees in July 2024.

Of these, 225 were redeployed to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), including 75 personnel previously assigned to Duterte.

Philippine National Police chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil. Photo from Philippine National Police FB page

In addition, 277 «excess» officers from the national headquarters, 43 newly promoted lieutenants, and 103 newly appointed police commissioned officers were similarly reassigned to the NCRPO, bringing the total to 647.

Philippine National Police Public Information Officer Col. Jean Fajardo, citing data from the PNP-Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG), emphasized that these 373 police personnel, who hold various ranks, collectively account for a combined monthly salary of approximately P12.5 million in taxpayer money.

«These officers are now serving local communities, ensuring that police resources are maximized for the broader public,» Fajardo said.

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Fajardo released the police recall data in response to speculations that Vice President Duterte was singled out in the process.

Marbil dispelled such claims, saying that 298 PSPG personnel had been recalled and redeployed to other police units several weeks prior to the recall of the 75 personnel from the vice president's security detail.

He added that 143 PSPG personnel were recalled from key officers of private companies registered with 57 from retired police generals, 14 from resident aliens, and various protectees, including former and current government officials, local officials and business leaders.

The list of other protectees, whose security details were recalled, includes 27 former government officials, 17 national and local officials, 16 local residents, seven former congressmen, six mayors, six barangay captains,