PNP: Sara Duterte not singled out in recall of 75 police details

Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil speaks during a gun show and tactical event in Mandaluyong City on June 20, 2024. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO / NINO JESUS ORBETA

MANILA, Philippines — Due to being short staffed, the Philippine National Police (PNP) transferred the policemen previously assigned to Vice President Sara Duterte to another assignment, according to its chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil.

Marbil made the clarification after the Office of the Vice President previously said that Marbil ordered the relief of 75 PNP police and security group personnel.

READ: VP Duterte: PNP pulls out 75 cops assigned for my security

Furthermore, Marbil denied that the policemen were relieved, adding that the cops assigned to Duterte were not “singled out.”

“They were not relieved,” Marbil said of policemen in an ambush interview at the National Bureau of Investigation headquarters.

“We asked them if they could be transferred. So we transferred them because we really need them in the National Capital Region,” he also said in Filipino.

READ: VP Duterte told: Marcos’ security not a ‘joking matter’

Marbil noted that they also pulled out the security contingent of other retired generals due to lack of personnel, especially in Metro Manila.

The top cop said the police personnel who were recalled will be deployed to the National Capital Region Police Office.