Vice President-elect Sara Duterte on Saturday, June 25, lauded both the Department of National Defense (DND) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for the activation of a security group that will ensure her and her family’s safety and protection.
In a statement, Duterte expressed how she appreciated so much the two institutions for their “positive response and action” to create the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG).
The incoming vice president noted the request that a security unit separate from the Presidential Security Group (PSG) be created and be assigned to the Office of the Vice President (OVP).
She specifically thanked DND Secretary Delfin Lorenzana and AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Andres Centino and their entire organizations.
“The activation of the VPSPG is commendable as it will resolve the matter of continuity in security for all vice presidents of the Philippines,” Duterte said.
READ: AFP activates VP security group for Sara Duterte
The Vice President-elect added that such security group “may be expected to solve the challenges if, in future elections” the country’s top two officials “face the misfortune of having strained relations.”
On Friday, June 24, Centino led the activation ceremony of the VPSPG at the AFP General Headquarters, along with other ranking officials.
He likewise installed Lt. Col. Rene Giroy as the first VPSPG group commander.
“I am confident that the newly-designated acting VPSPG Commander and the rest of the Officers and Enlisted Personnel entrusted to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of the Vice President and her family shall perform their responsibilities to the best of their abilities,” Centino stated.