Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) has announced that the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) has recalled five police officers assigned as protective security for Ako Bicol party-list Representative Zaldy Co. This action follows Co’s departure from the country amid ongoing investigations into alleged anomalous flood control projects.
According to Philippines News Agency, PNP spokesperson and information chief Brig. Gen. Randulf Tua±o explained during a press briefing at Camp Crame that the standard operational procedure (SOP) necessitates the recall of police officers when the individual they are assigned to protect is out of the country. Tua±o stated, “They recalled their police security protection officers because the SOP here is that when their VIP is abroad, they recall their security detailed.”
Under PNP regulations, the PSPG is the only unit authorized to provide protective security personnel to individuals with valid security threats. Those requesting such protection must undergo a thorough threat assessment.
Zaldy Co is currently under scrutiny for allegations of receiving kickbacks from questionable flood control projects managed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Co, who formerly chaired the House Committee on Appropriations overseeing the national budget, left the country after being implicated in this multibillion-peso scandal.
Co traveled to the United States last month citing medical treatment as his reason for departure. On September 18, House Speaker Faustino Dy III formally revoked Co’s travel clearance and demanded his return to the Philippines within ten days. Reports suggest that Co entered Singapore on September 16 and departed for Madrid, Spain, on September 24.