Ako Bicol Party-list Rep. Zaldy Co (Facebook)
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has recalled five of its personnel who have been serving as security detail for Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who is currently embroiled in flood control projects controversy.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said the recall order was made after Co left the country reportedly to seek medication amid the ongoing investigation wherein several witnesses accused him as a recipient of multi-billion peso kickbacks in flood control funds.
“This was done because the SOP (standard operating procedure) is that police security protection officers are recalled whenever their VIP is abroad,” said Tuaño.
Under the PNP rules, only the PNP’s Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) is allowed to provide protective security personnel to those who have valid security threats to their lives.
Persons requesting protective security personnel would also have to undergo a threat assessment.
Co was first reported to be in the United States to seek medical attention. The latest information was that he flew to Spain.
The House of Representatives, under Speak Bojie Dy, already canceled the travel authority of Co, and ordered the solon to return to the country.