PSG implements 'no-touch' policy to keep Duterte safe from COVID-19
Published Mar 9, 2020 12:00 am
By Argyll Cyrus Geducos
The Presidential Security Group (PSG) said it will implement the "no-touch" policy as a preventive measure to ensure the safety of President Duterte and his family amid the local transmission of the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19).
In a text message, PSG commander Col. Jesus Durante III said personalities expected to get near the President, especially during meetings and events, will be thoroughly screened and tested for any illness related to COVID-19.
Col. Jesus Durante III (PSG photo)
The "no-touch" policy will also cover PSG personnel, politicians, and dignitaries.
In addition, Durante said large crowd gatherings with President Duterte as the guest of honor and speaker shall be assessed and could be canceled not only for his safety but also for the attendees.
"All established health protocols and preventive measures are continuously in effect to all PSG personnel and the whole Malacañang Complex," he said.
"The PSG, together with members of Office of the President-Events Management Cluster, are observing these preventive measures, based on the guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH)," he added.
In his Monday press briefing, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Duterte will have to follow the policy.
"He always follows the advice of PSG. That's for his own health," he said.
He, however, said that he has to clarify if the President's scheduled visit to Boracay to promote local tourism on March 12 will push through following the new policy implemented by the PSG.
Malacañag had earlier said that President Duterte's schedule will push through despite the threat of the COVID-19, adding that the Chief Executive will follow the same protocol everyone else is following to avoid getting the disease.
Panelo said that Malacañang will unlikely be placed on lockdown by the PSG over the COVID-19 outbreak.
"Bakit naman magla-lockdown sa Malacañang? Hindi naman crowded area yun. Ang nila-lockdown lang nila yung mga (Why would the PSG lock Malacañang down? That's not a crowded area. They only do that on public) gatherings, where people conglomerate," Panelo said.
Last month, the PSG recommended to Malacañang's Internal House Affairs Office (IHAO) the suspension of Palace tours to secure Malacañang from the threat of COVID-19. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)
Col. Jesus Durante III (PSG photo)
The "no-touch" policy will also cover PSG personnel, politicians, and dignitaries.
In addition, Durante said large crowd gatherings with President Duterte as the guest of honor and speaker shall be assessed and could be canceled not only for his safety but also for the attendees.
"All established health protocols and preventive measures are continuously in effect to all PSG personnel and the whole Malacañang Complex," he said.
"The PSG, together with members of Office of the President-Events Management Cluster, are observing these preventive measures, based on the guidelines set by the Department of Health (DOH)," he added.
In his Monday press briefing, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said President Duterte will have to follow the policy.
"He always follows the advice of PSG. That's for his own health," he said.
He, however, said that he has to clarify if the President's scheduled visit to Boracay to promote local tourism on March 12 will push through following the new policy implemented by the PSG.
Malacañag had earlier said that President Duterte's schedule will push through despite the threat of the COVID-19, adding that the Chief Executive will follow the same protocol everyone else is following to avoid getting the disease.
Panelo said that Malacañang will unlikely be placed on lockdown by the PSG over the COVID-19 outbreak.
"Bakit naman magla-lockdown sa Malacañang? Hindi naman crowded area yun. Ang nila-lockdown lang nila yung mga (Why would the PSG lock Malacañang down? That's not a crowded area. They only do that on public) gatherings, where people conglomerate," Panelo said.
Last month, the PSG recommended to Malacañang's Internal House Affairs Office (IHAO) the suspension of Palace tours to secure Malacañang from the threat of COVID-19. (Argyll Cyrus B. Geducos)