Ai-Ai gets PNP protection

MANILA, Philippines - The Police Security Protection Group (PSPG) has assigned two police officers to protect comedienne Ai-Ai delas Alas amid alleged threats to her life from estranged husband Jed Salang, a police official said yesterday.

“She requested for security. We assessed her request, which appeared to be valid,” PSPG director Chief Superintendent Wilhelm Barlis told The STAR.

He said according to the Philippine National Police (PNP) policy, when the PSPG receives a complaint, the unit has to assess it for immediate action.

“If our assessment indicated there’s a need for immediate deployment, we could assign security for a period of 30 days,” Barlis said.

The PSPG chief said Delas Alas’ request has been forwarded to the office of PNP chief Director General Alan Purisima for approval.

“The approval of PNP chief on the request could mean permanent or longer period of deployment to secure a person or persons,” he said.

Barlis said the comedienne made the request following a spat with her estranged husband. “We could not simply ignore a request. What if something happened to her?” he said.

Barlis was quick to clarify that the deployment of PSPG personnel was based on a valid request and not on Delas Alas’ closeness to President Aquino’s sister, television host Kris Aquino.

Delas Alas “went alone to the PSPG office. An ordinary person, rich or poor, who asks for protection will get a response from the PSPG,” he said.