The intent of Vice President Sara Duterte to hire private security for her protection is legal and in compliance with the law, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP)
The PNP made the statement following the Vice President's alleged refusal to accept the new members of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group.
According to PNP Spokesperson PBGen. Jean Fajardo, this is permissible provided that Duterte obtains security services from private detective agencies.
"They are allowed naman po under the law. Remember, aside doon sa PSP – Protective Security Personnel – na pinoprovide po ng PSPG, ‘yung ating mga protectees naman po both elected and appointed government officials are allowed naman po to engage the services of private detective agencies po natin," Fajardo said in a press briefing on Thursday.
"So dapat doon lang po sila kumuha if an individual or group so desires to increase or supplement po ‘yung kanyang security," she added.
Moreover, Fajardo made the statement despite Duterte's claim that she no longer trusts the police and military personnel who are part of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG).
Similar to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the PNP asserted that it is their duty to ensure the protection of top government officials, even if these officials reject their services.
Previously, Duterte claimed that the integration of the VPSPG into the Presidential Security Command (PSC) was intended to compromise her security.
