By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) has recalled five police officers assigned as protective security for Ako Bicol party-list Rep. Zaldy Co, who left the country amid investigations into anomalous flood control projects.
In a press briefing held at Camp Crame, PNP spokesperson and information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tuaño said that based on standard operational procedure (SOP), the PSPG is required to recall the police when the person they are assigned to secure is out of the country.
“Tinanggal nila yung kanilang mga police security protection officers sapagkat ang SOP po dito kapag ang kanilang VIP ay nasa abroad, niri-recall ang kanilang security detailed (They recalled their police security protection officers because the SOP [standard operating procedure] here is that when their VIP [very important person] is abroad, they recall their security detailed),” Tuaño said.
Under PNP rules, only the 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 is currently under scrutiny over allegations of receiving kickbacks from questionable flood control projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
Co, former chair of the House Committee on Appropriations, which oversees the national budget, left the country after being implicated in the multibillion-peso flood control scandal.
Co flew to the United States last month for medical treatment.
On Sept. 18, House Speaker Faustino Dy III formally revoked Co’s travel clearance and ordered him to return to the Philippines within 10 days.
According to reports, Co reportedly entered Singapore on Sept. 16 and departed on Sept. 24 for Madrid, Spain. (PNA)
