A day after President Duterte was seen speaking behind a bulletproof glass in Malabon City, the Presidential Security Group vowed to continue to implement the “highest security protocols” to ensure the safety and protection of the country’s leader.
PSG commander Brig. Gen. Eriel Niembra explained they placed the protective glass as a security measure for the President during the open-air campaign rally last Tuesday night.
“PSG’s mandate is to protect the President, thus, multi-faceted threats are usual considerations. With or without outstanding threat, it is but imperative for PSG to implement the highest security protocols,” he said.
“In every engagement, assessment of the venue is conducted in order to determine the type of security measures needed to be enforced. PSG decided to put bullet-proof glass on the presidential podium because the activity was situated in an open area,” he added.
He said while Duterte wanted to have close encounter with the people, the PSG must “balance security and accessibility of the President.”
At the Malabon rally, the President said he was unfazed by any threat to his life after the PSG placed a thick protective glass in front of his podium. He said he wanted to be closer to the people but the PSG preferred to keep a safe distance between him and the public.
“Pagka-Presidente ko iba ang istilo at gusto nila distansiya at hindi maka – makadikit. May gusto mang pumatay sa akin,” he said. “Pero palagay ko pa naman ang buhay ay swerte-swerte lang. Kung panahon ko na talaga, wala na akong magawa,” he added. (Genayn Kabiling)
