By Aaron Recuenco
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has withdrawn the police security escorts of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Aaron Aquino.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Oscar Albayalde speaks during a press conference at Camp Crame in Quezon City. (MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)
But PNP chief Gen. Oscar Albayalde said it was withdrawn due to the need for more available personnel to secure the Southeast Asian Games (SEAG) that will start on November 30.
"On the basis of the SEA Games, it was temporarily pulled out. But I gave an instruction to the Regional Director of Police Regional Office 3 to provide at least four police escorts for him while his (Aquino) request is being processed," said Albayalde.
Albayalde disclosed that Aquino had 15 police security escorts which did not go through the proper procedure.
He said that based on PNP rules, only the Police Security Protection Group (PSPG) has the authority to provide police security escorts and it should be a maximum of only two policemen.
Aquino's escorts all came from Central Luzon regional police and is believed to have been retained after he retired from the service as regional director of Region 3.
"It's not normal. The normal number is two based on the Alunan Doctrine. No less than the President has directive that we follow strictly the Alunan Doctrine," said Albayalde.
The official said that if this number of security escorts, other Very Important Persons (VIPs) may also request the same and violate the Alunan Doctrine.
Besides, he said the PNP would be needing manpower to secure delegates for the Southeast Asian Games.
Following the withdrawal of Aquino's escorts, rumors spread that it had something to do with the declaration of the PDEA Chief that recycling of drugs was rampant in the police.
But Albayalde said it had nothing to do with it: "That's just a coincidence siguro because of the SEA Games. Remember we need thousands of personnel to secure the delegates who have started practicing at the Clark Economic Zones."
"And it's just temporary," said Albayalde.
And while Aquino's request for escort is being processed, the PDEA Chief could get his escorts within the PDEA, itself, or retired police and military personnel.