PSG acquires rocket launcher

MANILA, Philippines - The Presidential Security Group (PSG), the elite security group of President Aquino, has a new toy – a P17.7-million rocket launcher.

A Commission on Audit (COA) 2010 report said the rocket launcher, a powerful artillery capable of launching a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG), which was purchased on May 22, 2009 was delivered on June 30, 2011.

The anti-tank weapon was mentioned in COA’s latest report on the PSG’s purchases in the past two years.

The PSG also purchased machine pistols for P6.5 million; compact carbines for P17.5 million; Clip-on Night Sights for P1.7 million; and tactical vests for a little over P2 million in 2009 and 2010, according to the COA report.

Along with other equipment and items like a generator for P1.5 million; a battery pack for a little over P1.2 million; and desktop computers and printers for P857,000; the COA report said the Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management failed to deliver the items despite advance payments on time.

But PSG chief Army Col. Ramon Mateo Dizon said more than P43.6 million of the P53.1 million worth of equipment it had purchased are already in their hands.

The elite security unit is primarily tasked to protect the President and his immediate family members, as well as visiting heads of states or government and other important guests.

The PSG’s job also includes securing the President’s residence, offices and the places of presidential engagements and its surroundings; continuous surveillance and monitoring activities while assisting in the enforcement of internal security rules and regulations as well as maintenance of peace and order in the Malacañang Palace and its facilities; and rendering honors to the President and other dignitaries.