VP Sara singled out? PNP says over 370 cops removed from various security details in July

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said a total of 373 personnel from the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) were recalled in July.

In a statement, the PNP responded to the speculations from Vice President Sara Duterte that she was singled out when the police organization recalled the 75 police officers assigned to her security detail.

“A total of 373 police personnel from the PSPG were recalled from various government and private sector protectees in July 2024,” the PNP said.

“Of these, 225 were redeployed to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), including 75 personnel previously assigned to Vice President Sara Duterte,” it added.

PNP chief Police General Rommel Marbil pointed out that these 373 police personnel collectively account for a combined monthly salary of approximately P12.5 million in taxpayer money.

"These officers are now serving local communities, ensuring that police resources are maximized for the broader public," Marbil said.

Marbil dismissed speculations that Duterte was singled out, saying that 298 PSPG personnel had been recalled and redeployed weeks before the recall of Duterte’s police security details.

He said 143 PSPG personnel were recalled from key officers of private companies registered with the, 57 from retired police generals, 14 from resident aliens, and various protectees.

The other protectees whose security details were recalled include 27 former government officials, 17 national and local officials, 16 local residents, seven ex-congressmen, six mayors, six barangay captains, three bureau heads, one governor, and one undersecretary, he added.

"The PNP’s decision to rationalize the deployment of our officers is part of our commitment to better serve the people. This is to ensure that our police force is deployed where most needed, enhancing our public order and safety efforts," Marbil said.

Duterte claimed the reduction of police personnel in her security details is a case of political harassment, which Marbil denied.

“Let us spare our people from all the lies. Let us call it what it is — a clear case of political harassment,” she said.

Duterte pointed out that included in the relief order were the PNP personnel who have her "trust and confidence" because some of them were part of the security of former President Rodrigo Duterte since 2016, and others have been in her own security since 2007.

“It was obviously a targeted list and a targeted maneuver — nothing else,” she added.—RF, GMA Integrated News