Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil has issued a directive to prioritize the deployment of the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) personnel for individuals with high-security threats. This move aims to improve the current police-to-population ratio, which currently stands at one police officer for every 2,000 individuals.
Rationalizing PSPG Deployment
General Marbil emphasized the need to rationalize PSPG deployment to achieve an ideal ratio of one police officer per 500 individuals. “By rationalizing our PSPG deployment, we aim to move closer to the ideal ratio of 1:500. Reducing the unnecessary deployment of security personnel to low-threat individuals will allow us to support field operations more effectively and address other critical policing needs,” he said.
This directive follows the reassignment of 75 PSPG personnel from Vice President Sara Duterte’s security detail to other police units. Despite this adjustment, Marbil assured that Duterte continues to receive top-tier security services, maintaining the most extensive security detail compared to her predecessors.
Current Security Details
PSPG Director Police Brigadier General William Segun reported that 31 PNP personnel remain assigned to Duterte’s security detail, while the 75 PSPG personnel were redeployed to the National Capital Region Police Office. “Vice President Sara Duterte has more than enough security personnel compared to her predecessors, ensuring a robust and comprehensive security framework,” Marbil said.
The PNP chief also reaffirmed their commitment to providing security for the Vice President during her travels across the country.
Comprehensive Threat Assessment
Marbil’s directive is based on a comprehensive threat assessment conducted by the PNP, identifying individuals and groups at the highest risk. Key factors in these assessments include recent threats or attacks, the individual’s role in government or society, and intelligence reports indicating potential risks.
“Our directive is to ensure that our limited security resources are allocated effectively, focusing on individuals who genuinely face significant security threats. This way, we can enhance our protective services for those in need while optimizing our overall public safety efforts in our communities,” Marbil stated.
Vice President Duterte mentioned last week that Marbil’s order to remove the 75 PSPG personnel was issued on July 22 and would not affect her work in the Office of the Vice President.