Aquino to groups eyeing AFP-PNP rift: PSG proves you wrong

MANILA, Philippines – President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday dismissed groups banking on the supposed rift between the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“Ngayong may naglalayong buwagin ang matibay na samahan ng ating AFP at PNP, iisa lang ang tugon ko sa mga nagtatanim ng intriga at negatibismo: Tignan nyo ang PSG (Presidential Security Group),” Aquino said during the PSG’s 29^th Founding Anniversary.

(Now that there are people aiming to demolish the strong unity of our AFP and PNP, I have only one response to those sowing intrigues and negativism: Look at the PSG.)

The PSG, a combined force of AFP and PNP officer, is the primary force securing the Philippine president and his family.

The Mamasapano debacle, which resulted in the deaths of 44 policemen, has at times pitted the AFP and the PNP against each other.

At one point, former PNP-Special Action Force (SAF) commander Getulio Napeñas blamed the AFP for being unable to come to their rescue. However, the AFP pointed out that it was not informed beforehand of the mission to neutralize international terrorist Zulkifli bin Hir, alias Marwan. The short notice made it impossible for the military to immediately send reinforcements.

READ: ‘Don’t blame the military’ | Military exec turns emotional after Napeñas’ acknowledgment of ‘big help’

During the Edsa anniversary celebration last month, the PNP and the AFP staged a “Unity Walk” to show the public that there is no enmity between the two groups.

READ: PNP, AFP personnel march together on Edsa to support Aquino | AFP, ‘ceasefire damaging’ PNP walk as one

“Sa araw-araw na pakikipag-ugnayan ko sa inyo, nakikita ko ang matibay na samahan ng AFP at PNP na bumubuo sa aking security detail at ng ibang unit pa ng inyong grupo,” Aquino told hundreds of government officials, PSG members and their relatives at the Malacañang Park.

(During my every day interaction with you, I see the strong fellowship of the AFP and the PNP, which constitutes my security detail and other units of your group.)

He said both the AFP and the PNP have consistently been contributing to the progress of the country, unlike other groups.

“Dahil sa PSG may peace of mind ako (Because of the PSG, I have peace of mind),” Aquino said.

He praised the PSG for being professional and succeeding in securing Pope Francis during his visit to the Philippines in January.

PSG commander Commodore Raul Ubando, on the other hand, assured the President that the group is ready to secure world leaders who will visit the country later in the year for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders Meeting.