The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) disclosed that the temporary adjustments within the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) personnel are connected to a subpoena issued by the Philippine National Police (PNP) as part of an ongoing investigation.
In an exclusive interview on DZRH's Dos Por Dos on Thursday, AFP Spokesperson Col. Francel Padilla clarified that the Presidential Security Group (PSG) has been elevated to the Presidential Security Command (PSC).
As a result, the VPSPG has been integrated into this expanded unit, placing it under a unified command structure.
"Noong panahon po ng previous administration, magkahiwalay po. Now, it is joint na po," Padilla said.
She further explained that not all VPSPG personnel will be replaced. In compliance with the PNP's subpoena, the AFP is coordinating with the PNP to assist in the upcoming investigation, which necessitates the temporary reassignment of some VPSPG members.
Moreover, due to this development, the personnel of the VPSPG will consist of a mix of members from both the PNP and the AFP.
However, the process is still ongoing, and the AFP has yet to determine the exact number of personnel who will be assigned to Vice President Sara Duterte's security detail.
On November 26, Vice President Sara Duterte claimed that the integration of the VPSPG into the Presidential Security Command (PSC) was designed to compromise her security.
In response, Padilla stated that they respect Vice President Duterte's pronouncement and assured that the soldiers will remain professional and united despite the situation.
"PSC is a unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and therefore, it is also our mandate na mag-provide po ng personnel to be assigned in these units," said Padilla.
Meanwhile, Padilla emphasized that it is not the role of the Armed Forces to intervene in political matters, despite former President Rodrigo Duterte’s call for the AFP to address what he described as "fractured governance" under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
"Ang trabaho po namin is protektahan po ang Republika ng Pilipinas, ang ating mga Pilipino po ‘no, and defend our territory and our sovereignty, and sovereign rights po natin," Padilla mentioned.
"Wala naman pong pumipigil sa ating dating pangulo na kausapin po ang ating mga kasundaluhan bagkus po naniniwala naman po kami na ang ating mga kasundaluhan, ang ating mga opisyales po ay highly professional and inuulit-ulit po namin ito na we remain united," she added.
However, Padilla firmly stated that the Armed Forces should remain isolated from any political issues in the country.
