5 Villar bodyguards suspended

Five of Senate President Manuel Villar Jr.’s civilian security escorts were suspended over a security breach that caused the senator to suffer a black eye and a three-inch cut on his right eyebrow last Sunday in Pasay City.

Sources said the five bodyguards were suspended for failing to prevent a man from accidentally bumping Villar at the Philippine International Convention Center.

The five security personnel, longtime members of Villar’s security staff, were slapped with a one-week suspension, Villar’s staff officers said.

“They thought it was their last duty for the Senate president. But Sen. Villar was kind enough to say they will eventually return to duty. Lessons have to be learned,” one of Villar’s staff said.

Villar is still nursing a black eye and a small cut on his eyebrow when he flew yesterday to Amman, Jordan to meet with his counterpart, Senate President Zeid Rifai, to discuss ways to protect Filipino migrant workers, who are covered by a new labor law in Jordan.

“I’ll personally go to Jordan to check on the condition of our kababayans, especially the ones who experienced unfortunate conditions while working there. When I come back next week, I hope to bring them home to their loved ones,” Villar said before leaving for abroad.

Last Sept. 14, Villar sustained injuries while he was on his way to the podium to deliver a speech before members of the Philippine Medical Association.

“The Senate president was walking with a doctor towards the podium when a person suddenly went in between them. The man accidentally hit him on the head,” Cesar Tomambo, the senator’s photographer, said.

Tomambo said he and Villar’s bodyguards did not see the suspect since they were all focused on the senator.

“His right eyebrow was bleeding. He was given first aid, and he was able to give his speech after that,” Tomambo said.

Villar’s cut was later treated at the Manila Doctors Hospital.