A TOTAL of 679 agents of the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG) acting as protective security personnel for politicians and other VIPs in the country have been temporarily recalled to help beef-up the Philippine National Police preparations to ensure a safe and secure October 30 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, officials said yesterday.

PNP Director for Operations, Brigadier General Leo M. Francisco led the presentation of the recalled PSPG personnel at the Camp Crame grandstand on Tuesday. Simultaneously, PSPG regional offices also conducted their respective recall activities, said PSPG director, Colonel Roger P. Simon.

“This recall serves as a reminder of our duty to the people and the nation. As you return to your units, let your actions reflect the ideals of a just and democratic society,” said PNP chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda following the PSPG movement made on orders of the Commission on Elections.

“Additionally, this recall serves as a proactive measure to prevent any undue influence, conflicts of interest, or perceptions of impropriety during the electoral process. Our priority is to uphold the principles of democracy and ensure that every citizen’s voice is heard,” the top cop added.

The initiative is in accordance with Comelec Resolution 10918, which outlines the Rules and Regulations on the Ban on the Bearing, Carrying, or Transporting of Firearms or Other Deadly Weapons, as well as the Employment, Availment, or Engagement of the Services of Security Personnel or Bodyguards during the BSKE period.

From August 28 to November 29 this year, the Comelec has ordered the ban on the carrying of firearms or other deadly weapons and the employment of security personnel or bodyguards by incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed, as well as private individuals.

Of the total 920 protective security personnel stationed nationwide, 679 PSPG personnel are subject to recall, Col. Simon said.

Among these, 495 are responsible for safeguarding 285 government officials, while 425 are entrusted with the security of 309 private individuals.

Those recalled will undergo refresher and specialization courses while awaiting redeployment after the election period. Others will also be detailed to PNP operating units as security augmentation.

To facilitate the application for the issuance of a Certificate of Authority for Security Detail (CA-SD), eligible individuals, including incumbent public officials and private citizens, are encouraged to submit their requests online through the Comelec website.

The electronic filing system has been operational since June 5, 2023, and will remain open until November 15, 2023. As of August 24, 2023, a total of 295 applications have been received for CA-SD, with 49 having already received approval.

The recalled PSP will be inspected physically by PNP Chief and PSPG command group.

Brig. Gen. Francisco said that pursuant to Section 32 Rule 13 of Comelec Resolution No. 10918, all existing authority granting security personnel or bodyguards are hereby automatically revoked at the start of the election period.

The PNP leadership said it remains committed to upholding the principles of safety and security during the electoral process.

“By enforcing these measures, the PNP aims to contribute to the fairness and integrity of the upcoming elections, ensuring a peaceful and democratic transition of power at the grassroots level,” said Gen. Acorda.