Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro assured that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) continues to provide security for Vice President Sara Duterte.
The defense chief made the assurance after Senator Ronald dela Rosa, a Duterte ally, asked him about the recall of the Vice President’s security chief during Tuesday’s Department of National Defense budget briefing at the Senate.
“Your Honor, the group [Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group] has been abolished. And it is under the AFP-ASPG [AFP Security and Protection Group],” Teodoro explained.
“[But] All mandated officials are provided with appropriate security,” Teodoro assured.
He noted that the former head of Duterte’s security detail remains in “floating” status due to a pending case.
On Tuesday, the AFP confirmed that Col. Raymund Dante Lachica has been relieved from his position as commander of the AFP-ASPG, following his alleged involvement in the ongoing controversy surrounding the Office of the Vice President’s (OVP) confidential funds.
His name surfaced in relation to the supposed irregular transfer of P125 million in confidential funds from Duterte’s office.
In a statement, the AFP said Lachica was reassigned to the Philippine Army effective October 4.
The move comes amid an existing case filed before the Office of the Ombudsman against Lachica and Colonel Dennis Nolasco, former deputy commander of the Vice President’s security detail.
“The AFP ensures a smooth transition of leadership to maintain the efficiency and professionalism of the ASPG in the performance of its mandated mission,” the military statement read.
Lt. Col. Joseph Israel Eleosida has been appointed as the acting commander of the ASPG.
