PNP escort scheme under review

“PNP’s proactive measures to ensure police personnel will not be, wittingly or unwittingly, used by their VIP for economic or political reasons.”

Not only the police escorts of Senator Antonio Trillanes IV but also that of other elected and appointed officials, aside from other very important persons (VIP) are under review either for removal or retention, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

The PNP made the clarification in light of Trillanes’ complaint that he was stripped of his assigned police escorts.

“The PNP is conducting a comprehensive review of all protective security personnel that the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) provides to all qualified VIP including elected and appointed officials as well as private individuals,” the PNP said.

The comprehensive review “is also part of PNP’s proactive measures to ensure police personnel will not be, wittingly or unwittingly, used by their VIP for economic or political reasons especially as we approach the election season,” the PNP added.

PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde also ordered the PSPG to provide Trillanes with two police security personnel while the comprehensive review is ongoing.

Aside from police officers, Trillanes also have security men provided by the Senate, two personnel from the Philippine Navy and two troops from the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The PNP said the decision to withdraw police security was meant to ensure more of its men will be doing actual core police duties.

“The move which we started just recently is in line with our efforts to maximize the use of available resources to perform our core police functions with due consideration to the specific security needs of key officials and private individuals,” the PNP said.

The PNP added that the decision to withdraw police personnel from acting as security escorts is part of the “PNP’s proactive measures to ensure police personnel will not be, wittingly or unwittingly, used by their VIP for economic or political reasons especially as we approach the election season.”