AFP clarifies reorganization of the VPSPG, not deactivation

Upholding Filipino spirit: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. called on the Armed Forces of the Philippines to embody the Filipino spirit — ‘a spirit that stands firm against oppression, adapts to the demands of the time, and always places the welfare of the nation above all else.’ The President is seen here with Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and AFP Chief of Staff Romeo Brawner Jr. during the AFP’s 89th Anniversary celebration on Friday.
PHOTOGRAPHS BY YUMMIE DINGDING FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE @tribunephl_yumi
The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday clarified that the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) was only reorganized, not deactivated.
In a statement, the military noted that the VPSPG was reorganized into the AFP Security and Protection Group (AFPSPG) as part of its “rationalization and streamlining efforts implemented in February 2025, as approved by the Department of National Defense (DND).”
The AFP emphasized that such “administrative adjustment was undertaken to unify security and protection operations.”
It added that the reorganization of the group “ensures the continued, uninterrupted, and robust protection of the Vice President within a more integrated and optimized framework.”
The AFP also noted that "VPSPG was only created in June 2022.”
“Prior to this, Vice Presidents were secured by the Security and Protection Battalion under the AFP General Headquarters and Headquarters Support Command, with no dedicated military security group,” it further stated.
The AFP sees the “current set-up" as a "more efficient and effective way to ensure the safety and security of the present and future Vice Presidents.”
It then appealed to fellow Filipinos to refrain from spreading false or misleading information.
“We enjoin our kababayans to use our communications platforms to promote unity, peace, and understanding, and not to sow discord, hatred, and division,” it said.
The AFP maintained it “remains fully committed to the safety and protection of the Vice President and all key officials of the government.”
