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MANILA: Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said Wednesday a total of 373 personnel of the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) were recalled from protective security duties for various government figures and private sector individuals in July.
Citing the PNP’s latest data, Marbil said 225 of the 373 were redeployed to the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO), including the 75 personnel previously assigned to Vice President Sara Duterte.
In addition, 277 ‘excess’ officers from the national headquarters, 43 newly promoted lieutenants, and 103 newly appointed police commissioned officers were similarly reassigned to the NCRPO, bringing the total to 648.
Marbil said the 373 police personnel, who hold various ranks, collectively account for a combined monthly salary of approximately PHP12.5 million in taxpayers’ money.
“These officers are now serving local communities, ensuring that police resources are maximized for the broader public,” he said in a statement.
M
arbil made the remark in response to speculations that the Vice President was singled out in the recall of police officers rendering protective security duties.
He also noted that 298 PSPG personnel had been recalled and redeployed to other police units several weeks before the recall of the 75 police personnel providing protective security to the Vice President.
Marbil also reported that 143 PSPG personnel were recalled from key officers of private companies registered, 57 from retired police generals, 14 from resident aliens and various protectees, including former and current government officials, local officials, and business leaders.
The list of other protectees whose security details were recalled includes 27 former government officials, 17 national and local officials, 16 local residents, seven former congressmen, six mayors, six barangay captains, three bureau heads, one governor, and one undersecretary.
“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.
The PNP chief earlier ordered the rationalization of the deployment of PSPG personnel, prioritizing individuals identified with high-security threats, to move towards an ideal police-to-population ratio of 1:500 from the current 1:2,000.
“Rationalizing PSPG deployment will help us achieve a better ratio, reduce unnecessary security assignments, and improve support for field operations and critical policing needs,” Marbil said.
Source: Philippines News Agency
