31-7-2024 (MANILA) In a poignant appeal, Philippine Vice President Sara Duterte has called for the protection of her family following a significant reduction in her security detail. The emotional plea comes in the wake of the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) decision to withdraw 75 members from her protection team, sparking concerns about the safety of the second-highest official in the land and her loved ones.
“I have only one request from you: the safety of my family,” Duterte implored in a statement released on Tuesday. Her words carried a sense of urgency as she beseeched authorities to prevent any harm from befalling her mother, husband, and four children, whether in person or through online channels. The vice president also urged vigilance against those who might harbour ill intentions towards her family members.
The sudden reduction in Duterte’s security detail has raised eyebrows across the political spectrum. Several senators have already voiced their support for the vice president, questioning the timing and motivation behind the PNP’s decision.
At present, the exact number of remaining security personnel in Duterte’s detail remains unclear. However, the scale of the reduction becomes apparent when considering last year’s Commission on Audit (COA) report. The audit revealed that in 2022, a staggering 433 individuals served as part of Duterte’s Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG), marking a 455% increase from the 78 personnel under the Office of the Vice President in 2021, during her predecessor Leni Robredo’s final full term.
The VPSPG, activated by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in 2022, was established as a “dedicated unit” for the security and protection of Duterte and her family. This substantial increase in security personnel had raised questions about the allocation of resources and the perceived threat level to the vice president and her family.
Adding a layer of complexity to the situation, Duterte’s family, including her husband, lawyer Manases Carpio, and their three children, are currently in Munich, Germany. The family embarked on a pre-scheduled vacation last week, coinciding with Typhoon Carina’s onslaught, to meet relatives of Duterte’s mother, Elizabeth Zimmerman, the former wife of ex-president Rodrigo Duterte.
The timing of the security detail reduction, occurring while the vice president’s family is abroad, has fueled speculation and concern. Critics argue that such a significant change in security arrangements should not be implemented without thorough consideration of potential risks and implications.
