No takeover of VP security group - AFP chief

Metro Manila, Philippines — The top military official has denied an unconfirmed report of assuming control of the vice-president’s close-in security.

The report from a number of media outlets said armed forces chief Gen. Romeo Brawner will assume command of the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG).

"Hindi po totoo yun na I will take over the VPSPG. It is still under the Presidential Security Command," Brawner said in an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Nov. 27.

[Translation: It is not true that I will take over the VPSPG. It remains under the Presidential Security Command.]

He said he is focused on addressing the broader security challenges facing the country.

“Hindi ko po kayang gawin yun dahil marami po tayong iniisip na iba pang mga security issues ng ating bansa. Kaya nga po dun sa statement natin, earlier we said that our country is beset with a lot of security threats, a lot of security challenges," Brawner said.

[Translation: I cannot take on that responsibility because we have numerous other security concerns to address. As we’ve stated before, the country is confronted with a range of security threats and challenges.]

Brawner also noted that while the VPSPG will undergo temporary staff changes, military and police personnel will continue to secure Vice President Sara Duterte.

“The reason for this adjustment is that the Philippine National Police has issued a subpoena related to an ongoing investigation involving members of the VPSPG. We do not yet know the details of the case,” he said.

"However, the subpoena indicates that they are unable to perform their duties to protect and secure the vice president," Brawner added.

The VPSPG is facing investigation for supposedly obstructing the transfer of Duterte’s detained chief of staff from the House of Representatives to the Veterans Memorial Medical Center in Quezon City.