Bato’s security pulled out? Where is he? – Palace

MANILA, Philippines — Retired police officers and soldiers will serve as security for Sen. Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa while he is in Davao, following the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) decision to recall his police security detail in the area.

Dela Rosa, a former PNP chief, said he was unaware of the recall until he recently arrived in Davao and found his security personnel absent.

He acknowledged that the government, through the PNP, has the authority to withdraw security details at any time.

“Their commanders are being cautious, especially the unit commander, who is careful not to let anyone see that they have someone deployed with me. The government is hot on my trail, right? The government is after me, and if it were known that they have someone deployed with me, they’d be cautious,” the senator said in Filipino.

He noted that while he still has two police escorts in Davao, he is uncertain whether his Manila-based security personnel have also been recalled.

“They were just accounted for; no reason was given. They could be recalled any time. Let me clarify about my security being pulled out – my security here in Davao. When I arrived here, they were no longer around because they were ordered to report back to their unit. I understand because their commander was just trying to avoid any problems, so they were recalled,” he noted.

After news of the recall spread, Dela Rosa said many retired police officers and soldiers volunteered to serve as his security detail.?

“When my security details were recalled by the PNP, retired cops and soldiers started volunteering as replacements. They don’t have firearms, but they are equipped with kamote, balanghoy, saging, manok bisaya and are ready to survive with me. It’s very heartwarming,” Dela Rosa said in a Facebook post.

He stressed that he does not require a large security team since he has limited space in his vehicle for escorts.

Despite the situation, the senator is reportedly not worried about his safety, especially when he is in Davao, because “almost everyone in the city knows him.”

He also claimed his movements remain unrestricted and he continues to campaign even outside of Mindanao.

‘Where is Bato?’

Addressing Dela Rosa’s statement on the recall of his security detail, Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro yesterday said, “Where is Senator Bato? Do we even see him? I don’t know, I’m sorry. As of the moment, I don’t see him. So how can we provide him with security if he doesn’t show up?”

Meanwhile, the PNP has remained silent on Dela Rosa’s recent revelation regarding the recall of his security details.

When reporters sought a statement, they were referred to Maj. Vangie Molina, the information officer for the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG). However, Molina declined to comment on the matter, saying she was off duty.

The PSPG, which is responsible for providing security to high-ranking officials, has not posted any updates either on its official social media channels, leaving the issue unanswered as of 5 p.m. yesterday. — Helen Flores, Emmanuel Tupas