Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 25)— The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday said it has activated the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) for Vice President-elect Sara Duterte.
The VPSPG, previously known as the Vice Presidential Security Detachment, is a unit tasked to ensure the safety of the country’s vice president and her family, the AFP said in a statement.
“The AFP saw it fitting to provide the Office of the Vice President a dedicated unit that shall ensure the safety and security of the second-highest elected official in the country,” Chief of Staff General Andres Centino said, expressing confidence that the newly installed group will perform their duties “to the best of their abilities.”
Lt. Col. Rene Giroy was named as the VPSPG’s first commander, Centino added.
Sara Duterte took her oath on June 19 as the 15th vice president of the Philippines. Her term will officially start on June 30.
In a statement, the vice president-elect thanked the AFP and the Department of National Defense for the move, which she said will guarantee continuity in security for all of the country’s vice presidents.
She added that the VPSPG may be expected to help solve possible problems, “if, in future elections, the vice president and the president face the misfortune of having strained relations.”
