Escudero: OSAA ready to assist Bato’s security if necessary

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero on Wednesday said that the Office of the Senate Sergeant-at-Arms (OSAA) is ready to augment Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa’s security if necessary.

The Senate chief made the remark a day after Dela Rosa revealed that the Philippine National Police has pulled out his two security details in Davao City.

“Kung saka-sakali ‘man mangailangan ng tulong si Senator Bato, nakahanda ang Office of the Sergeant at Arms na bigyan siya ng tulong at asistensya kung meron siyang pangamba kaugnay sa kanyang seguridad," Escudero said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay forum.

(Should Senator Bato ever need help, the Office of the Sergeant at Arms is ready to provide him with help and assistance if he has concerns regarding his security.)

"Bahagi ‘yan ng mandato’t trabaho ng Office of the Sergeant at arms o OSAA ng Senado,” added Escudero.

(That is part of the mandate and work of the Office of the Sergeant at Arms or OSAA of the Senate.)

While the OSAA is composed of around 80 personnel, the Senate President said they can deputize more depending on the needs of any senator.

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The removal of Dela Rosa’s security detail came after the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte in accordance to the arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court.

Dela Rosa on Tuesday said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has recalled two security officers who were detailed to his residence in Davao City.

"Itong pag-uwi ko dito sa Davao wala na akong security. Pinapa-report na sila sa unit nila," Dela Rosa told reporters in a phone interview.

(When I returned here in Davao City, my security detail was already gone. They were asked to report to their unit.)

"Nag-iistambay sila dito… Pagdating ko dito wala na sila dahil pina-report na sila," he added.

(They are staying here. When I arrived, they are no longer here because they were told to report to their unit.)

This developed after former President Rodrigo Duterte was arrested in accordance with a warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

The reelectionist senator served as the PNP chief when Duterte launched his campaign against illegal drugs.

“Normal naman 'yan. They can be there, they cannot be there," he said.

(That's normal. They can be there. They cannot be there.)

"Alam mo na 'yung mga commander ng mga pulis nag-ingat din yan. Naintindihan ko sila. Hindi nila ako ginigipit. Nag-iwas lang sila na mamaya magkaproblema sila," added Dela Rosa.

(The commanders of the police force are just being cautious. I understand them. They are not persecuting me. They are just avoiding possible problems in the future. They are not part of those who are persecuting me, but they are just avoiding conflict.)

Duterte is currently under ICC custody facing charges of crimes against humanity before the international tribunal.

Based on government records, at least 6,200 people were killed in police operations during Duterte's controversial campaign. Data from human rights groups, however, said the actual death toll could be from 12,000 to 30,000. —VAL, GMA Integrated News