Malacañang on Tuesday responded to Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa’s claim that his security detail had been withdrawn, citing that the absence of his security detail may be due to logistical reasons.
“Where is Senator Bato? Have we seen him? I don’t know, sorry. As of the moment, I haven’t seen him,” Palace Press Office Claire Castro said during a press briefing.
“How can we provide him with security if he’s not present?” she added.
Dela Rosa alleged that upon his return to Davao, his security personnel were no longer stationed at his residence and had been instructed to report back to their units.
Castro explained that it is not feasible for security personnel to remain without the principal being present.
“Perhaps he was away. Security can’t simply stand by without him there,” Castro said.
“But I don’t think it would be a problem once he reappears,” she added.
In an interview, Dela Rosa said that his security details were recalled by the Philippine National Police following the arrest of former President Rodrigo Duterte.
However, the PNP Public Information Office called Dela Rosa’s claim that his security details were withdrawn, “fake news.”