Senator Dela Rosa Request PNP Chief to Reinstate VP Duterte's Security Detail

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MANILA, Philippines — Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa has called on Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil to allow Vice President Sara Duterte the option to establish her own Presidential Security Group (PSG) and to reinstate the police personnel from Davao as part of her security detail.


This appeal follows the PNP's decision on July 23 to withdraw 75 officers from Duterte's security team, citing a shortage of personnel for ground duties, which has led to some officers working extended hours.


Earlier this week, Dela Rosa expressed his concerns to Duterte, emphasizing the need for her protection, particularly against threats from the New People’s Army (NPA). He highlighted that the Vice President has become a primary target for communist insurgents. 


“Can you allow her the freedom to choose? The officers you removed and transferred to Region 4 from Davao could be reinstated to provide her peace of mind. This is my personal appeal as a Filipino because I genuinely do not want anything to happen to our second-in-command. If she were to be ambushed by the NPA and her security personnel fled, it would be a source of shame for us. But if you bring back the Davao officers, they will stand and fight for her,” Dela Rosa stated.


On July 29, Dela Rosa sought volunteers to form a new security team for Duterte, inviting former PNP and Armed Forces personnel skilled in unarmed combat to step forward and offer their services, even without pay. “Attention former PNP/AFP personnel who are good at unarmed combat & volunteering to provide security & protection to VP Inday Sara, please sound off! This is a community effort with no salary,” he posted on his official Facebook page.


In response to the PNP's actions, Duterte released an open letter to Marbil on Facebook, stating that while she has no issue with the withdrawal of her police escorts, she views the move as “political harassment.” 


“I want to reiterate, I have no problem with the recall of PNP personnel assigned to the Office of the Vice President. I can function without security. However, I do have a problem with the falsehoods being spread to the public, especially when they come from high-ranking police officials,” Duterte asserted in her letter.


As the situation unfolds, the dialogue between Dela Rosa, Marbil, and Duterte continues, reflecting the complexities surrounding the Vice President's security arrangements and the political dynamics at play.

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