MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it can help Maguindanao Rep. Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu get police officers for his security detail.
PNP Spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said Mangudadatu may send his representatives to the Police Security Protection Group (PSPG) to arrange for his police escorts.
“We can also help him arrange for a permanent security detail with the Police Security Protection Group which has the mandate to provide police security detail to government officials,” Banac said in a statement.
Banac’s statement came after Mangudadatu said he will request Interior Secretary Eduardo Año to probe Maguindanao police chief for moving his police escorts to other units just days before the verdict on the controversial 2009 Maguindanao massacre case, which was dubbed as the “single deadliest” attack against journalists.
Mangudadatu said Maguindanao police director Col. Arnold Santiago made it difficult for his police escorts to report to him and protect him.
The PSPG is mandated to protect government officials and private individuals who are receiving death threats. The PSPG, however, said they will regularly undergo an assessment to check if police escorts will be provided.
Asked why the lawmaker’s escorts were transferred, Banac said: “rotation, movement, and assignment of personnel are part of the administrative functions of the PNP.”
Banac also assured Mangudadatu that the PNP has a sufficient number of police personnel to beef up the lawmaker’s security.
INQUIRER.net sought Año’s comment but has yet to receive a reply, as of posting.
READ: Mangudadatu wants Maguindanao police chief probed for transferring his security escorts