A bullet-proof glass shield protected President Rodrigo Duterte during his speech at a rally in Malabon City | Courtesy : RTVM
The Malacañang lauded the Philippine Security Group (PSG) for the bulletproof glass placed during the PDP-Laban campaign rally in Malabon City on Tuesday (April 2).
The bulletproof glass was placed on the presidential podium to protect President Rodrigo Duterte during his speech.
“Whether the threats are real or imagined, we take them seriously and the Palace commends the Presidential Security Group (PSG) for doing a good job,” according to Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo in a statement.
Panelo clarified that the schedule of the President will remain unchanged.
Meanwhile, President Duterte said he is not fond of the said bulletproof glass but added that he cannot oppose PSG’s mandate to ensure his security.
“Alam mo itong picture frame na ito, iyon ang hindi ko na kontrolado. Sumama man ang loob ko, magalit ako, hindi ko mautusan ang security setup ng PSG, presidential guards, kasi sila talaga ang masunod, (You know this “picture frame” is out of my control. Even if I disapprove of it , I cannot order the PSG on their setup. They are the presidential guards, they have the authority) he said.
According to National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon, there is really an outstanding threat in the security of the president due to his campaign against criminals, extremists, and communist terrorists.
“When the state/leader go hard against criminals and other threats such as extremists and communist terrorists, threat level to the President increases. It would be prudent to adopt measures to increase protective coverage. Let’s trust PSG. They are just doing their job,” he said in a statement.
The PSG previously said they are obligated to impose the highest security protocols whether there is an outstanding threat or not.
“PSG decided to put bullet-proof glass on the presidential podium because the activity was situated in an open area. Whilst our President wanted to have close encounter and dialogues with the people, PSG acknowledges the need to balance security and accessibility of the President,” according to their statement.
This is the first time a bulletproof shield was used during President Duterte’s public engagement.—Aileen Cerrudo (with reports from Rosalie Coz)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said security for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games will remain until the last foreign delegate has left the country.
In a statement on Wednesday (December 11), PNP Officer-in-Charge Pol. Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa said he has ordered the PNP security contingent to continue police visibility and provide assistance to SEA Games delegates.
“This mission ends only until after the last foreign delegate has left the country,” Gamboa said.—AAC
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte (L) and former National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde (R) during the 117th Philippine National Police (PNP) police service anniversary in Quezon city, Philippines, 08 August 2018. EPA-EFE/STR
MANILA, Philippines – President Rodrigo Duterte has not decided yet as to who will assume the position vacated by former Philippine National Police (PNP) chief, retired General Oscar Albayalde.
The President said he is carefully assessing the credentials of potential candidates to head the country’s main law enforcement arm.
Without an honest, corruption-free man to assume the job, the Chief Executive hinted on taking over the PNP.
“Ang akin, (for me) if they have even a single case of corruption, wala na, (it’s a no), you’re out,” the President warned.
“I would rather not appoint anybody for that matter. Ako na ang hahawak noon (I will take over). I will be the one directing the guidance and direction,” he added.
The President previously said he wants to be conscientious in choosing the next chief of the national police following controversies that tainted the credibility of Albayalde in relation to his alleged involvement with the so-called ninja cops or drug recycling issue that compelled him to resign.
President Duterte acknowledged, meanwhile, that there are a lot of things within the PNP that needs improvement and overhaul.
“But verily itong pulis maraming problema, pati generals nila kasali sa droga (Verily I say these policemen are the problems themselves, even their generals are involved in drugs),” the Chief Executive noted.
“Iyan ang ayaw ko diyan, pati generals. Hindi lumabas iyan hanggang hindi ako naging president (That’s what I hate, that even the generals [are involved]. Not until I became president that this was exposed),” he added. MNP (with details from Rosalie Coz)
President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday (November 20) said that he ordered the dismissal of three police officers involved in the body camera extortion case.
The three police officers were allegedly involved in extorting around P5 million from a bidder of body cameras.
“In the police, I—the three majors were working on a body camera and they were arguing because maybe of—because of money. What else? Because of corruption. And so I said, ‘Fire them, dismiss them,'” he said.
Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa identified the police officers as Police Major Emerson Sales, Police Major Rholly Caraggayan and Police Major Angel Beros.
Gamboa also said that he will sign the dismissal papers by Monday (November 25).—AAC (with reports from Rosalie Coz)
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