VIP escorts, whether authorized or not, are a relatively common sight in the country. Be it personal bodyguards or police officers, you’re bound to see these escorts try and slice and dice through traffic or on the expressways.
The thing is, to have a real police escort, one must first send a request to the Philippine National Police (PNP) for it. From there, the person requesting it must cite reasons for needing protection. That’s according to Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, the chief of the PNP.
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Following recent cases of police officers providing security escort for certain private individuals, Gen. Marbil has removed said officers as a consequence. In an interview with dzBB, Gen. Marbil said, “Hindi po trabaho ng pulis (to give VIP protection to anybody. Our job is to give security to people whose lives are under threat.”
He then added, “Kaya po maraming tumatawag sa akin, sir bakit niyo tinanggal mga security namin. Ay hindi po namin trabaho ‘yan.’
Also, not all police officers are allowed to provide protection or escort high-risk individuals and/or VIPs. Per the chief, there is only one branch of the PNP that is authorized to do so. That division is the Police Security and Protection Group or PSPG. Not regular officers, members of the Highway Patrol Group, or from any of the National Operational Support Units bar the PSPG.
The chief then cited two instances of police officers moonlighting as VIP escort and security. The first was one he witnessed himself when he saw a patrolman for a Chinese national in a hotel. The second involved two Special Action Force (SAF) members getting into a physical altercation. In the case of the latter, those involved were arrested and since been relieved from duty.
In related news, the Land Transportation Office opened a text hotline that allows motorists to report illegal ‘wang-wang’ users. Motorists may send details of the violator through the mobile number 0929 292 0865. In addition, Administrative Order No. 18 makes it clear that government officials and personnel are not allowed use ‘sirens, blinkers, and other similar signaling or flashing devices.’
