Bato says police security detail in Davao recalled

Metro Manila, Philippines - Senator Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa has been stripped of his police security detail in his hometown in Davao City, the former top cop announced on Tuesday, March 25.

“Pag-uwi ko dito sa Davao wala na akong security. Pinapareport na sila sa unit nila,” Dela Rosa told Senate reporters in a phone interview.

[Translation: When I got home here in Davao, I no longer had security. They’ve been ordered to report back to their unit.]

Dela Rosa clarified that two police officers were assigned as his security detail in Davao. He explained that he had two separate security teams to save on transportation expenses, as he frequently travels to his hometown in the province. However, when he arrived home on Monday, the security detail who was usually "on standby" for his arrival no longer reported to him.

He added that he is unsure if those assigned to him in Metro Manila have also been pulled out.

The PNP-Public Information Office dismissed the recall of Dela Rosa’s security as “fake news,” citing a report from the Police Security Protection Group (PSPG).

“Tanungin nila yung mga tao nilang dineploy sa akin (They should ask the people deployed to me),” Dela Rosa said.

The PSPG is mandated by law to provide security to government officials, foreign dignitaries, private individuals authorized for protection, and key government installations.

Dela Rosa said he understands that the commander of his former security detail may have pulled them out to avoid being caught in issues, given his impending warrant of arrest from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his role as former Philippine National Police chief and implementer of the bloody war on drugs.

His former boss, former President Rodrigo Duterte, is now detained at the ICC in the Netherlands after the Marcos administration cooperated with the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) for his arrest.

“Nag-iingat ang mga commander nila, ‘yung mga unit commander ba. Nag-iingat na hindi masilip… na may tao sila sa akin dahil mainit man ang gobyerno sa akin, di ba?” Dela Rosa said.

[Translation: Their commanders are being careful, the unit commanders, you know. They are careful not to be questioned for having people with me because the government is hot on my heels, right?]

He said a number of retired police officers and soldiers have volunteered to serve as his security detail in Davao.

When asked if he feels any threat to his life, he replied, “Wala naman. Sanay naman ako sa threat. Nabubuhay naman ako sa threat na yan (No, not really. I'm used to threats. I live with those threats).”