Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Rommel Marbil assured on Monday that there is no security threat towards Vice President Sara Duterte, emphasizing that there is no political influence to diminish her police security detail.
In a statement to the Senate Committee on Public Order and Dangerous Drugs, Marbil stated, “Wala po siyang threat [sa buhay], wala po kaming nakita. She’s being loved by our people.” He highlighted that Duterte is not the sole official to experience a reduction in police security.
Marbil further explained, “With regard po doon sa iba, lahat po tinanggalan natin because we don’t see any threat sa ibang tao at ang sinasabi ko nga kung meron pong reason, ibibigay po natin.” Senator Ronald dela Rosa, chair of the committee and a staunch supporter of Duterte, raised concerns about potential threats from communist rebels due to the Vice President’s strong stance against them.
Marbil expressed the readiness of the PNP to provide assistance if requested by the Presidential Security Command (PSC), responsible for safeguarding the top two government officials.
Presently, there are 31 police personnel assigned to ensure the safety of the Vice President, according to Marbil. However, he clarified that the selection of personnel was not within his prerogative.
Dela Rosa urged Marbil to allow Duterte to choose her security team, emphasizing that he was not advocating for the restoration of the previous number of personnel.
Photo Courtesy: ABOGADO.COM.PH