Vice President Sara Duterte expressed gratitude on Tuesday to her allies and supporters who “volunteered” to be part of her security team after 75 policemen assigned to her were recalled.
“Nagpapasalamat ako kay Senador Dela Rosa, Senador Go at Senador Padilla, mga AFP at PNP personnel, sa mga kababaihan, at lahat ng ordinaryong mamamayan sa inyong pagtugon sa panawagan ni Senador Bato ng boluntaryong pagtulong para sa aking seguridad,” Duterte said in a statement.
On Monday, Sen. Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa called on former Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel to volunteer for Duterte’s security detail following the recall.
Sen. Imee Marcos also urged the restoration of Duterte’s security detail “ASAP,” stating, “First, she is the 2nd highest elected official in the country whose safety must never be compromised. Second, she is a Duterte, who, like her father, is a staunch defender of law and order, hence topping the CPP-NPA’s order of battle.”
Duterte acknowledged the inherent risks of public office but assured her supporters not to worry about her safety. She emphasized one wish: to ensure the safety of her family.
“Isa lang ang hiling ko sa inyo — ang kaligtasan ng aking pamilya. Huwag ninyong payagan ang anumang karahasan sa aking ina, asawa at apat na anak, personal man o sa internet. At kung sakali man, huwag ninyong palampasin ang sinumang gagawa ng kapahamakan laban sa kanila,” Duterte said.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil had stated that the 75 police escorts were recalled to strengthen police forces in the National Capital Region. In response, Duterte accused Marbil of “political harassment” and lying to the public in an open letter.
