Marbil orders PNP security to focus on high-threat individuals

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil on Sunday issued a directive to rationalize the deployment of the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) personnel, prioritizing individuals identified with high-security threats.

In a statement, Marbil said the move seeks to achieve an ideal police-to-population ratio of 1:500. Currently, he said one police officer is responsible for about 2,000 individuals.

“By rationalizing our PSPG deployment, we aim to move closer to the ideal ratio of 1:500. Reducing the unnecessary deployment of security personnel to low-threat individuals will allow us to support field operations more effectively and address other critical policing needs,” the PNP chief said.

The order came following the removal of 75 PSPG personnel assigned to the security detail of Vice President Sara Duterte, to be transferred to other police units.

Despite this, Marbil said that the PNP continues to provide top-tier security services to Duterte, noting that she “retains the most extensive security detail compared to her predecessors.”

PSPG Director Police Brigadier General William Segun reported that 31 PNP personnel remain assigned to Duterte’s security detail, while her previous 75 PSPG personnel were redeployed to the National Capital Region Police Office.

“Vice President Sara Duterte has more than enough security personnel compared to her predecessors, ensuring a robust and comprehensive security framework. The adjustments in security personnel reflect our commitment to adapting to current security needs while also adhering to directives that enhance overall police efficiency,” Marbil said.

The PNP chief also said that the police force is committed to providing security for the Vice President during her travels across the country.

The PNP said Marbil's recent directive was based on a comprehensive threat assessment it conducted, which identifies individuals and groups at the highest risk.

Key factors in these assessments include recent incidents of threats or attacks, the individual’s role in government or society, and intelligence reports indicating potential risks.

“Our directive is to ensure that our limited security resources are allocated effectively, focusing on individuals who genuinely face significant security threats. This way, we can enhance our protective services for those in need while optimizing our overall public safety efforts in our communities,” Marbil said.

Duterte said last week that Marbil issued the order on July 22 to remove the 75 PSPG personnel assigned to her security detail.

Duterte said that Marbil’s order would not affect her work in the Office of the Vice President. —KG, GMA Integrated News