THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday, April 5, clarified that the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) was not disbanded, but rather “reorganized” into the AFP Security and Protection Group (AFPSPG).
The AFP issued the statement after the Manila Times reported that AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. disbanded and deactivated the VPSPG, citing a February 10 AFP document that was posted on its social media account on Saturday, April 5.
The AFP on Saturday said that the “reorganization” was part of its “rationalization and streamlining efforts” as approved by the Department of National Defense.
“This administrative adjustment was undertaken to unify security and protection operations. It ensures the continued, uninterrupted, and robust protection of the Vice President within a more integrated and optimized framework,” the AFP said.
The AFP noted that the VPSPG was only created in June 2022 when Vice President Sara Duterte took office. Before this, the vice presidents’ security details were the Security and Protection Battalion under the AFP General Headquarters and Headquarters Support Command, “with no dedicated military security group.”
“As such, the current set-up is a more efficient and effective way to ensure the safety and security of the present and future vice Presidents,” the AFP added in a statement.
Moreover, the AFP also appealed to Filipinos to avoid spreading false or misleading information and refer to official communication platforms.
“The AFP remains fully committed to the safety and protection of the Vice President and all key officials of the government,” the AFP said.
The vice president’s security group was previously under scrutiny in November 2024, when some personnel had to be replaced because of a subpoena related to a police investigation.
The Vice Presidential Security Protection Group (VPSPG) was reportedly disbanded in February, and many of its personnel are currently without clear assignments under the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Headquarters Support Command, according to information obtained by TIMES from sources familiar with the matter.
The move, which reportedly occurred some time ago, has only recently come to light, raising questions about the transition process.
Sources indicate that while former VPSPG members are now under the AFP, their direct command falls within the Headquarters Support Command of the AFP General Headquarters (GHQ).
Concerns have been raised regarding the abrupt nature of the transition, which was not a straightforward integration into the Presidential Security Group (PSG). Information suggests a rapid removal process followed a swift initial absorption. Approximately 60 personnel were reportedly left behind, anticipating absorption, but only three were ultimately integrated. Consequently, a significant number of troops are now scattered and without assignments, representing over half of the original VPSPG strength.
It has been learned that the security personnel directly assigned to Vice President Sara Duterte are now under the AFP Headquarters Support Command.
A new unit, the AFP Security Protection Group (ASPG), was reportedly created based on a memo from the Secretary of National Defense. While outwardly appearing to be a simple renaming, sources suggest the number of troops directly supporting the Vice President remains limited. The former Defense Intelligence and Security Group (DISG) of the DND and the former Vice Presidential Protective Division (VPPD) of the GHQ, responsible for securing various VIPs, were absorbed under the ASPG. The current security structure reportedly involves the VIP Security Protective Unit (VIPSPU), VPSPU, and individual security details.
Information indicates a substantial reduction in personnel directly assigned to the Vice President’s immediate security, dropping from an original strength of 334 to 149, with potential for further decrease. Her closest security detail is reportedly just one company.
The reduction in personnel is reportedly placing a strain on those remaining, as they continue to secure the Vice President’s family and residences.
Regarding personnel no longer part of the VPSPG, sources suggest many are awaiting new assignments, with some having received transfer orders while others remain without clarity on their future postings.
