Vice President Sara Duterte has accused Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil of “political harassment” following the reassignment of 75 police officers from her security detail.
In a pointed critique, Duterte highlighted that the move came after her resignation as Secretary of the Department of Education (DepEd) and the release of a controversial video. She noted that some officers from the PNP Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) were recalled to provide personal protection after her resignation.
Duterte emphasized that the officers affected by the reassignment were individuals she deeply trusted, some of whom had been part of her father’s security detail since 2016 and her own since 2007. “It was obviously a targeted list and a targeted maneuver — nothing else,” she asserted.
The order from Marbil, issued on July 22, removed 75 PSPG officers from Duterte’s security team. However, Marbil defended the decision, stating that it aimed to prioritize individuals classified as high-security threats and rationalize the deployment of PSPG personnel.
Despite the reassignment, Marbil assured that Duterte still “retains the most extensive security detail compared to her predecessors” and that the PNP remains committed to providing her with top-tier security. He added that the reassignment was based on a thorough threat assessment identifying those most at risk.
The PNP reiterated its dedication to ensuring the Vice President’s safety as she continues her duties across the country. Aileen Lor
