At least 800 policemen assigned as bodyguards of politicians have been recalled by the Philippine National Police in Camp Crame as the election period has officially begun.
The PNP’s Police Security Protection Group based in Camp Camp Crame has been advised to disengage from their duties as bodyguards of politicians.
PSPG Chief Supt Alfred Corpuz sent orders last Dec. 10, 2015 informing the protectees or Very Important Persons of the recall starting on Jan. 9, 2016.
Corpuz said the recall order includes candidates for the 2016 elections or his/her immediate family members with the second degree of consanguinity or affinity.
The recall order includes incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed and all private individuals.
Directly affected by the order are Vice Governors down to local executives while Governors and ranking officials in government will have to reapply for renewed deployment of PNP personnel as their security aide, Corpuz said.
PNP security to members of the Judiciary will remain in their posts.
Due to the recall, politicians will have to hire civilians security agents from duly accredited private Security agencies to serve as their protective aides.
The recalled PNP protective personnel will have to undergo refresher training preparatory to sending them to various field assignments in time for election or patrol duties, Corpuz said.