Almost 200 candidates were already stripped of police security personnel as part of the election security measures and isolate the organization from partisan politics.
Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, spokesperson of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the recall of police security from 197 candidates and other private individuals across the country translated to a total of 674 policemen being re-assigned to other important assignments.
“There were governors, there were mayors and there were councilors whose police security was recalled. And the 674 policemen who were called were re-assigned to their main unit at the PSPG (Police Security and Protection Group),” said Fajardo.
She said there were also other government officials whose police security were recalled and are now awaiting from the Commission on Election (Comelec) decision for them to have protective security.
Once the Comelec grants a certificate of authority, Fajardo said that is the time that the police protective custody would be assigned to them.
But how about the private individuals whose lives are under threat?
Fajardo explained that they could also apply for exemption from the Comelec and once approved, police security would be the priority in securing them.
“If they wish to avail the services of the private security agents, those protection agents must have legitimate licenses and must be employed by private individuals,” said Fajardo.
“Other than that, private individuals cannot serve as bodyguards, especially as we are under election period,” she added.
The maximum security personnel for every person, according to Fajardo, are two.