The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday confirmed that the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) recalled five cops assigned as security for Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co.
In a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson and Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño, explained it is part of the standard operational procedures (SOP) of PSPG to recall the police when their VIP is out of the country.
“They removed their police security protection officers because the SOP here is that when their VIP is abroad, they recall their security detailed,” said Tuaño.
Under the PNP rules, only the PSPG is allowed to provide protective security personnel to those who have valid security threats to their lives.
Persons requesting protective security personnel would also have to undergo a threat assessment.
Co is currently under scrutiny over allegations of receiving kickbacks from questionable flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
He was the former chairman of the House Committee on Appropriations, which oversees the national budget. The lawmaker left the country amid ongoing investigations in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
Co flew to the United States last month for medical treatment.
On Sept. 18, House Speaker Faustino Dy III formally revoked Co’s travel clearance and ordered him to return to the Philippines within 10 days.
According to reports, Co reportedly entered Singapore on Sept. 16 and departed on the 24th for Madrid, Spain.
