Metro Manila, Philippines — Vice President Sara Duterte expressed gratitude to supporters, including Senate allies, amid what she calls “political harassment” over the pullout of her police security detail.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 30, Duterte thanked Senators Ronald Dela Rosa, Bong Go, and Robinhood Padilla, as well as uniformed personnel who responded to Dela Rosa’s call to volunteer as her protectors.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) on July 22 pulled out 75 personnel assigned to Duterte’s office. It came after Duterte resigned from the Cabinet, indicating a falling out of what was once the “Uniteam” during the 2022 election.
“Huwag kayong mag-alala sa akin,” she said. “At hindi ninyo kailangan mag-ambag ng pera para sa security ko. Ang pagtatrabaho sa pamahalaan ay pag-alay ng buhay para sa bayan. Alam nating lahat na bahagi ito ng serbisyo.”
[Translation: Don’t worry about me. You don’t need to contribute money for my security. Working in the government is dedicating my life to serve the country. We all know this is part of public service.]
The vice president then asked for the safety of her family.
“Huwag ninyong payagan ang anumang karahasan sa aking ina, asawa at apat na anak, personal man o sa internet,” Duterte said. “At kung sakali man, huwag ninyong palampasin ang sinumang gagawa ng kapahamakan laban sa kanila.”
[Translation: Don’t let any harassment come to my mother, spouse, and four children, either personal or online. And just in case, don’t allow anyone to harm them.]
Duterte wrote an open letter to PNP chief PGen Rommel Marbil, taking offense at how he explained what transpired. Her point: “[A] clear case of political harassment.”
“It was obviously a targeted list and a targeted maneuver — nothing else,” she said, explaining those relieved have her “trust and confidence” as they were her security detail since 2007 and his father’s, former President Rodrigo Duterte.
The vice president said Marbil hand-picked 45 police personnel to remain under her office, but she also said in her letter they will be sent back.
