Brawner denies taking over VPSPG

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. denied claims that he is taking over the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) but confirmed the replacement of several personnel amid an ongoing investigation.

“Hindi po totoo na I will take over the VPSPG. It is still under the Presidential Security Command. Hindi ko po kayang gawin yun dahil marami po tayong iniisip na iba pang security issues ng ating bansa (It is not true that I will take over the VPSPG. It is still under the Presidential Security Command. I cannot do that because there’s a lot of security issues in the country that we need to take care of),” Brawner said during a media interview at Camp Aguinaldo on Wednesday.

Brawner clarified that the movement in the VPSPG stems from a subpoena issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) against Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica, Chief Security Detail of the Vice President, and other security team members.

“Minabuti natin na sundin ang subpoena na iyon so that matugunan nila ang imbestigasyon. Ang gagawin natin (We followed that subpoena so that they could address the investigation. So what we will do is), we are going to temporarily replace them with a contingent from the PNP and the AFP,” he explained.

He emphasized that the AFP continues to prioritize Vice President Sara Duterte's security, stating that any harm to her could lead to national instability.

The VPSPG is composed of around 350 members. Brawner said the exact number of personnel to be replaced is still under study, as details of the investigation remain unclear.

AFP remains apolitical

Despite the ongoing political turmoil, Brawner assured that the AFP would maintain its apolitical stance and professionalism.

“I am not worried at all because I am sure that the whole Armed Forces of the Philippines will remain professional and competent so hindi na po natin kailangan mag-loyalty check (we don’t need a loyalty check),” he said.

Brawner also dismissed former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for military intervention, asserting that it is not the military’s role to interfere in politics.

“Our job is to protect the Republic of the Philippines, protect its people, defend our territory, and defend our sovereignty and our sovereign rights,” he added.

He stressed that the era of “military adventurism” is no longer appropriate, reiterating the AFP’s commitment to professionalism.

“We recognize that all of us have political opinions, political inclinations, pero habang suot suot po natin ang ating uniporme, ay kailangan sundin natin ang saligang batas at protektahan natin ang bansa (But while we are wearing our uniform, we need to follow the Constitution and protect our country)," Brawner said, noting that soldiers with political grievances should resign if they wish to voice their opinions openly.