By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Wednesday said it has received reports of payment and transportation being offered to some supporters of Vice President Sara Duterte for them to show up at the EDSA Shrine.
“There are some videos na lumalabas (that are circulating), if I may share again na ‘yung iba doon (some of them) allegedly were transported from their barangays papunta doon sa lugar (in going to the place). Pinangakuan daw na babayaran sila at pakakainin (They were offered payment and food),” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing at Camp Crame, Quezon City.
“It was documented, hindi ko alam kung sino nagpalabas nito (I’m not sure where this is from). We just want to share it with you,” Fajardo added. She also revealed that 25 police personnel have been deployed to the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) assigned to guard Duterte, after the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) requested police personnel for Duterte’s security.
The 25 cops were sent to the VPSPG on Tuesday.
“I also confirmed that question but on the part of the PNP, we don’t have any information with respect sa (to the) alleged threat against the VP but the PNP is open to collaboration and cooperation at kung meron man (and if there is), I am pretty sure and I am just assuming as part of security protocols, this should have been communicated, any threat against the VP should have been communicated with the PSC (Presidential Security Command) since it is the command who is responsible for the security and safety of the VP,” she added.
PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil, meanwhile, urged everyone to respect legal processes and cooperate with authorities.
“As public servants, it is our duty to uphold the law and set an example. Resistance and disobedience to a person in authority not only violates the law but also undermines public trust,” he said in a separate statement.
The top cop reiterated the PNP’s commitment to cooperating with legislative and judicial authorities to address the matter and ensure accountability.
He urged the public to remain vigilant in protecting democratic principles and the integrity of governance.
Duterte is in hot water for cursing at President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos and House Speaker Martin Romualdez and threatening to have them assassinated should she be killed first.
Authorities are looking into the Vice President’s liabilities for her actions. (PNA)
