PNP removes cops assigned as VIP escorts

MANILA, Philippines — Stressing it is not the job of policemen to secure VIPs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has removed police officers assigned as security escorts of certain private individuals.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said he is firm in his decision, stressing that police officers should only secure individuals with validated threats.

“Hindi po trabaho ng pulis (It’s not the job of policemen) to give VIP protection to anybody. Our job is to give security to people whose lives are under threat,” he said in an interview over dzBB yesterday.

“Kaya po maraming tumatawag sa akin, sir bakit niyo tinanggal mga security namin. Ay hindi po namin trabaho ‘yan (People were calling us asking why we removed their security. It’s not our job),” Marbil added.

Marbil maintained that the Police Security and Protection Group is the only PNP unit authorized to provide security to people with existing threats.

Before getting police security, an individual must request in writing to the PNP and cite the reasons why he or she needs protection.

The PNP will then conduct a validation to determine the veracity of the threat.

Marbil issued the directive after he saw for himself a police officer securing a Chinese national when he visited a hotel.

“I went to a hotel and this Chinese guy had security who’s even wearing a shirt with PSPG print,” he said.

With his position as the country’s top policeman, Marbil has police officers assigned to his security detail. However, he always carries his personal belongings during his official and personal engagements.

“May mga security ako because of my position but you are not authorized to carry my bag,” he said.

On May 18, two Special Action Force policemen were arrested for allegedly moonlighting as bodyguards in a village in Muntinlupa City. The two were relieved from their posts along with seven other SAF officials, the PNP said.

The SAF members reportedly figured in a fistfight while providing unauthorized VIP escort services in Ayala Alabang Village.

“We have arrested these SAF members and filed a case against them for moonlighting,” Marbil earlier told a press briefing at Camp Crame.

Marbil did not disclose the identities of the persons who received the SAF security service, but other reports said they were Chinese nationals.

“This incident has tarnished the reputation of the PNP,” Marbil said.

The two SAF personnel were originally assigned in Mindanao. Police were still investigating why they were in Metro Manila.

Prior to their arrest, village residents reported a commotion involving the two SAF members. Ayala Alabang police sub-station 5 arrested the two and turned them over to the Muntinlupa police for further investigation.