FILE PHOTO: Philippine National Police Chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil speaks during ARMSCOR Global Defense Inc. during the 20th Tactical Survival and Arms (TACS) expo at a mall in Mandaluyong City on Thursday, June 20, 2024. Sara Duterte’s police security was reduced because no threat against the vice president has been observed, the PNP chief explained in a radio interview on July 26, 2024. INQUIRER / NINO JESUS ORBETA
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) reduced Vice President Sara Duterte’s police security because no threat against her has been observed, its chief General Rommel Marbil explained Friday.
“We don’t see any threat against the vice president so we need to reduce the people,” the PNP boss said in a radio interview over dwPM.
“If they want more, then we will add [it] if they request [it],” he added.
Marbil ordered the transfer of 75 police officers from Duterte’s personal protection detail to other assignments, particularly in Metro Manila.
READ: PNP removes all 75 cops from Sara security detail
“We need more people on the ground,” the PNP chief emphasized.
Marbil also denied again that Duterte was singled out when the PNP pulled out police officers assigned to her security team, explaining that former government officials and police and military generals experienced the same.
Marbil confirmed the withdrawal of police security details from executive officials during the administration of Vice President Duterte’s father.
READ: PNP: Sara Duterte not singled out in recall of 75 police details
Protection personnel of ex-President Rodrigo Duterte’s executive secretary, Salvador Medialdea, and spokesperson, Harry Roque, were reportedly similarly pulled out and transferred to other assignments, as well as those detailed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s former executive secretary, Vic Rodriguez.
“My guidance is, people with [any] threat should be given security, and we don’t see any threat against these people,” Marbil pointed out.