THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) now plays a critical role in safeguarding Vice President Sara Duterte after the recall of 120 of her police security detail.
The 45 remaining police personnel assigned to Duterte were already recalled by the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday, July 30.
An Army official told TIMES that a dedicated Vice Presidential Security Group (VPSG) from the AFP is expected to result in improved security coordination, enhanced threat detection, and response capabilities, and increased operational efficiency.
When asked about how many AFP personnel were left detailed to the vice president, he declined to give a number but assured it’s enough to secure her and her family.
Further, he said that the activation of VPSG significantly enhances the security posture and capabilities of the vice president, providing dedicated security resources, expertise, and support to mitigate risks and respond effectively to security challenges.
Moreover, the activation of VPSG within the AFP is based on Duterte’s security requirements.
In an open statement, Duterte expressed that the fundamental task of the VPSPG will continue even if the relationship between the vice president and President is strained or broken by political differences- a troubling situation observed during past administrations.
Recently, Duterte publicly accused Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Rommel Marbil of political harassment for recalling her close-in security back to Camp Crame.
In an open letter that she penned and released on Facebook on Monday, July 29, she said the relief of her police security detail was a targeted maneuver in response to her decision to step down as a Department of Education secretary.
She also cited the auspicious timing of the release of the viral video showing allegedly President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. using an illegal substance. The leaked CCTV footage from the airport showing her and her family while heading to the plane for Germany also allowed her to conclude that she was being persecuted.
“Let us spare our people from all the lies. Let us call it what it is — a clear case of political harassment,” she wrote.
