Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. on Tuesday advised Vice President Sara Duterte to formally request the withdrawal of her military security detail if she no longer trusts them.
Teodoro made the statement during an interview with state-run PTV, addressing recent public remarks made by the Vice President regarding her safety and the institutions assigned to protect her.
“She can request for their withdrawal if it’s true she said she no longer trusts her security,” Teodoro said in Filipino. “She can request the withdrawal [of her security] because the AFP security is a privilege, not a right.”
The Defense Chief’s comments come after Duterte expressed deep skepticism toward several government entities prior to posting bail before the Quezon City Regional Court last Saturday for a grave threats case. During her appearance, Duterte publicly stated that she does not trust the court, the police, or even her own security personnel.
Duterte is currently secured by the Vice Presidential Security Group (VPSG), a specialized unit operating under the Presidential Security Command (PSC).
Teodoro emphasized that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is prepared to respect her decision should she choose to forego military protection.
“That’s what I can say. Once a request is made, then it [security] will be withdrawn… If it’s a question of trust, then she can have them withdrawn,” Teodoro added.