64 politicians seek security escorts

MANILA, Philippines — At least 64 politicians running in the 2019 midterm elections have applied for security escorts from the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Chief Supt. Filmore Escobal, director of the PNP Police Security Protection Group (PSPG), said these include incumbent elected government officials who are running in next year’s elections.

“As per Comelec (Commission on Elections), their escorts will be recalled. Hence, they have to apply to Comelec,” Escobal said.

Among the applicants are three senators and 49 congressmen. The others consist of six local chief executives, three former government officials and three private individuals.

A politician seeking security is entitled to two police escorts.

For an applicant to be granted escorts, Escobal they have to submit some documents such as blotter records or incident reports of perceived threats to their security.

They also consider the presence of partisan armed groups, gun-for-hire killers and enemies of the state such as Abu Sayyaf and New People’s Army rebels.

“The situation on the ground will also help us determine or will be considered in providing them with security,” Escobal said in a television interview over ABS-CBN.

Escobal could not give a specific timetable on when an application for security could be approved or directed as it will depend on the assessment of the PNP Directorate for Intelligence.