No need for loyalty check from PSG – Rody

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Incoming president Rodrigo Duterte expressed trust and confidence in the members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who would look after his security and that of the immediate members of his family.

“There is no need for any loyalty check for the PSG, I trust them,” Duterte told The STAR. 

Duterte said that as much as possible, he does not want too many government forces looking after his security.

He said that even his children, especially his daughter, incoming Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, does not like the idea of moving around with security personnel around them.

“But there is nothing I can do about it. It comes with the office of the president,” he said. 

The PSG, whose members are composed of personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the police, is the main unit tasked with providing security to the president, the vice president and their immediate families.

The PSG is based in Malacañang, Manila. Members of the PSG also accompany the president on his foreign and domestic trips.

Sources said Duterte had already picked who would head the PSG during his term and that the announcement would be made in due time.

The PSG shall also look after the security of the palace, Cabinet members and palace officials as well as visiting heads of state or diplomats and their families traveling with them.

The unit also has other functions, such as providing support to other government agencies. 

The PSG assists the military and police in operations against organized crime groups once authorized by the Office of the President.

They also conduct community service efforts in local communities, and maintain and secure all facilities and transportation assets used by the Office of the President and Vice President in doing its regular and non-regular functions. 

Meanwhile, a delegation of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) sent to Davao City by founding chairman Nur Misuari failed to meet Duterte, allegedly due to tight security.

MNLF spokesman Absalum Cerveza said that the delegation was sent by Misuari to greet Duterte but because there was “chaos” in making the appointment, they were not given any schedule for the meeting.

“We are leaving, we spent four days in Davao City and we were passed around,” Cerveza said.

He said Misuari wanted to travel to Davao but because of an existing warrant of arrest, he cannot leave his mountain stronghold in Sulu. The arrest warrant was issued in connection with the charges filed against the rebel leader in the wake of the 21-day siege and fighting in Zamboanga city in 2013 that left several people dead after the MNLF tried to raise their flag in the city.

Prior to Zamboanga the MNLF raised their flag in Davao City as part of their declaration of the independence of Mindanao.

“Our purpose is just to relay the message of Misuari. We are not asking any favor,” Cerveza said.

A source said that Gadzali Jaafar of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) was able to meet Duterte Tuesday. – With Perseus Echeminada