PNP recalls Teves’ police escorts

MANILA, Philippines — A week after revoking the gun license of Negros Oriental Rep. Arnolfo Teves Jr., the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recalled the lawmaker's police escorts.

In defending its decision, the PNP said it took back Teves’ escorts because they did not come from the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) as provided for under Memorandum Circular 2019-006

“Only PSPG personnel are authorized to render protective security to all government officials including members of the House of Representatives,” the PNP said in a statement issued yesterday.

A person receiving threats to his life is allowed up to two police security escorts based on the PNP’s regulations.

The PNP earlier revoked the license for Teves’ 12 firearms due to lack of documents.

It said that a license to own and possess a firearm is a mere privilege and not an absolute right.

Since Teves’ license application lacked documents, the PNP said it had no choice but to revoke it.

“The fact that a deficient license was issued to Teves does not grant him any vested rights,” it said.

The PNP said it was not singling out Teves, noting it reviews records of gunholders’ licenses to verify their compliance.