Rody urged to reconsider 2-escort policy for politicians

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Some local officials appealed to President Duterte to reconsider his order to assign a maximum of two police security escorts to politicians, and instead apply the policy on a case to case basis.

Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Wilter Palma said local officials traveling in critical areas must have additional police escorts.

“In our case we have to travel back to Zamboanga Sibugay with two securities in a car. How can we do that when we are pinned down?” Palma said.

He said if they were attacked, the concerned police provincial director could be held liable for the incident.

Palma met with Gov. Antonio Cerilles of Zamboanga del Sur and Zamboanga del Norte Vice Gov. Cenen Angeles to pledge their support for the launching of the intensified regional anti-drug and anti-corruption campaign dubbed “Masa-Masid.”

He said if only two police security escorts are assigned to each local official, they would rather limit their movement and will not attend meetings outside their province or host the meeting in their respective places.

“I was astounded to hear that there will be two security. But I think the President will reconsider that. Perhaps… the President means (to curb) the obvious and very blatant abuse of power,” Palma added.