The Philippine National Police (PNP) debunked Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s claim that the two security officers assigned to his residence in Davao City were recalled recently.

“Let’s clarify the statement by our honorable Senator ‘Bato’ dela Rosa. It is not true that he has been stripped of his security escort at this time,” PNP spokesperson P/BGen. Jean Fajardo told reporters on Wednesday.

Fajardo cited Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution 11067 which ordered the recall of all personnel providing security to individuals, including government and elected officials, pointing out that the PNP’s action was part of the measures to ensure security during the election period.

“The truth is that pursuant to Comelec Resolution 11067, which pertains to the availment of security details during the election period, the Comelec issued an order to recall all protective security personnel providing security to individuals, including government officials and even elected officials,” Fajardo explained.

She clarified that the security escorts assigned to the Regional Police Security Protection Unit in Region 11 were recalled on 13 January as part of the protocol under the Comelec Resolution.

“So it is not true that they were removed only now,” she said.

Fajardo said Dela Rosa “may have just forgotten to mention” that he still has four protective security personnel who have acquired Certificates of Authority or Exemption from the Comelec. She noted that this authority will last until 11 June.

“So it is clear that the two personnel assigned in Davao were recalled because they did not have an approved Certificate of Authority or Exemption from the Comelec. However, as of today, there are four personnel rendering security to the senator because they have an approved certificates of authority from the Comelec,” Fajardo said.

Fajardo pointed out that the Comelec resolution specified that a maximum of two protective security personnel can be assigned to an individual.

“But that depends on the threat assessment. If there is a need to increase the protective security personnel for an individual that would depend on the decision and approval of the Comelec,” she said.

“In the case of Senator Bato, he has four security personnel who have been given authority by the Comelec,” she added.