PNP debunks Bato's claim security recall

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday refuted Senator Ronald "Bato" Dela Rosa’s claim that his police escorts in Davao City had been recalled.

"Let’s clarify the statement of our honorable Senator Bato Dela Rosa. It is not true that he has been stripped of his security escort at this time," PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo told reporters in Filipino.

Fajardo explained that the move was part of the enforcement of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 11067, which mandates the recall of security escorts during the election period.

"The truth is, pursuant to Comelec Resolution 11067 concerning the availment of security detail during the election period, the Comelec ordered the recall of all protective security personnel assigned to individuals, including government and elected officials," she said.

She clarified that the two officers assigned to Dela Rosa in Davao were already recalled on 13 January and that the action was not recent, contrary to circulating claims.

"So it is not true that the escorts were only removed just now, as some reports claim," she added.

Fajardo further said that Dela Rosa “might have just forgotten” that he currently retains four protective security personnel with valid Certificates of Authority or Exemption from the Comelec. These permits are effective until 11 June 2025.

"So it is clear that the two assigned in Davao were recalled because there was no application or approved Certificate of Authority or Exemption from the Comelec. However, there are currently four providing security detail who have an approved Certificate of Authority from the Comelec," she explained.

She also emphasized that, under Comelec rules, individuals may have a maximum of two security personnel — subject to threat assessments and Comelec approval.

"But that depends on the threat assessment. If there is a need to increase the protective security personnel of an individual — that depends on the decision and approval of the Comelec," Fajardo said.

"In the case of Senator Bato, there are four security detail who have been given the authority of the Comelec," she added.

On Tuesday, Dela Rosa said the two officers assigned to him in Davao were ordered to return to their units on 24 March.