Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander, Col. Randolph Cabangbang has clarified that the Chinese national who was killed Tuesday, Sept. 8 during an anti-illegal drug operation in Zambales had no connection whatsoever to the PSG.
This, after a photo of a particular fatality from the incident who wore a light blue polo shirt with the PSG seal was brought to his attention by Malacañang beat reporters.
"Per verification from our Intelligence Staff, said person wearing the polo shirt with PSG seal is not in any way connected with PSG. Definitely, he is not a member of PSG," Cabangbang said in a statement Tuesday.
According to the PSG chief, the polo shirt that the foreigner was wearing isn't a PSG uniform.
"The shirt he is wearing is not a PSG uniform and is readily available and can be bought from any military supply shop selling the said merchandise. In addition, any merchandise depicting PSG's seal can be easily manufactured," noted the Philippine Army colonel.
Cabangbang further said that the PSG "assures the public that we maintain the highest form of discipline and ethical standards and is one with the government in its anti-drug war campaign."
On Tuesday, joint elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Bureau of Customs (BOC) neutralized four Chinese nationals during a buy-bust operation at a resort in Candelaria, Zambales.
The operation also led to the confiscation of P3.4 billion worth of "shabu", which is referred to as poor man's cocaine.
The PSG's primary task is to provide close-in security and escort to the president and the vice president of the Philippines, their immediate families, former presidents and vice presidents of the Philippines, as well as visiting heads of state.
The security group is based in Malacañang.