PNP News Releases 2006

CALDERON ASSURES ADEQUATE SECURITY FOR SENATE

PNP Chief, Director General Oscar C Calderon today assured the Senate that there will be no security vacuum in the forthcoming re-deployment of Special Action Force troops guarding the Senate offices in Pasay City.

A sizable force of equally-capable security personnel from the Police Security and Protection Office will assume the responsibility of providing round-the-clock security to the Senate offices.

In a letter to Senate President Manuel Villar, Calderon emphasized that the re-deployment of the SAF contingent presently on detailed to provide security at the Senate is aimed at maximizing the operational effectiveness of SAF to assume counter-insurgency missions.

Calderon reiterated the PNP’s respect for the Senate as a national institution, but expressed concern over apparent misinterpretations on the move of the PNP.

"It is unfortunate that our action has been misread by some quarters and the wisdom behind the planned replacement of SAF with an equally competent security contingent is apparently unappreciated. It is not and never will be the intention to disrespect any individual Senator or the institution of the Senate," Calderon said.

Senator Richard Gordon, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Government Corporations and Private Enterprises was also furnished a copy of the letter.

Calderon explained that the action was based on NAPOLCOM's decision issued last July aimed at rationalizing the deployment of PNP Units according to their field of specialization, considering that SAF is the national maneuver unit of the PNP specializing in Internal Security Operations.

"This was also precipitated by Executive Order No. 546 which gave the PNP a more active role in the fight against insurgency and terrorism, and as such, the PNP badly needs the services of SAF for this purpose," the Chief PNP said.

Calderon also clarified that members of the SAF Senate security detail were not suspended contrary to news reports, but are undergoing investigation at the SAF Headquarters for abandonment of post without proper authority from their commander, which is a breach of existing operational procedures.

The PSPO, the PNP Unit tasked to provide personal security to government dignitaries as well as vital government offices and facilities is being eyed as replacement of the SAF security contingent because of their training, equipment and experience acquired over the years.

Calderon also informed the Senate President that the Napolcom has sought the legal opinion of the Department of Justice to clarify what the PNP can and cannot do when required to serve warrants of arrest issued by non-judicial authorities with contempt powers.

While awaiting the legal opinion of DOJ, all SAF and PSPO personnel on security detail in both Houses of Congress have been instructed to focus on their primary mission of providing security to these vital installations, and to coordinate all other requirements for police assistance or action thru the Chain of Command.

"We are willing to be corrected of any oversight committed if there be any. Rest assured the PNP will be ever supportive of the requirements of the Senate within the mandate of our responsibility," Calderon said.