VP Sara camp debunks claims of more security than PBBM

"By design and necessity, the Presidential Security Command (PSC) is a larger and more complex unit than the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG), reflecting the differing levels of security required for the President and the Vice President," the report said.

The PSC, formerly the Presidential Security Group (PSG), has an estimated number of more or less 4,000 security forces. It is a significantly more extensive and comprehensive security unit, it said.

The PSG recently was renamed and institutionalized as PSC with General Order number 1955 of GHQ, AFP.

The PSC includes distinct units from the AFP [Philippine Army, Philippine Navy (Fleet), Philippine Navy (Marines), and Philippine Air Force], Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the Civilian Human Resource (CHR).

The comprehensive structure reflects the PSC's capacity to provide the President with extensive security coverage, instilling confidence in the general public about the safety measures.

On the other hand, the VPSPG was activated as the AFP-Wide Service Support Unit (AFPWSSU) on June 30, 2022, under General Orders 917 of the General Headquarters (GHQ), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

The said unit, smaller in scale compared to a command unit level, is responsible for the security of the Vice President of the Philippines.

It comprises AFP personnel and is supplemented by the Vice-Presidential Protection Division (VPPD), provided voluntarily through the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) with General Orders DPL-22-22 dated December 9, 2022.

Currently, AFP is the only unit comprising VPSPG, which makes up only 7.5 percent out of the total number of security forces of the President.

" It is crucial to note that the VPSPG can only be rescinded if the Department of National Defense (DND) and the AFP deem it ineffective and irrelevant," the report further said.

"This action underscores the strategic importance of the VPSPG and the meticulous planning behind the security measures, providing reassurance about the thoroughness of the approach," the statement said.

The VPSPG and PSC are security forces and administrative and support staff who manage their respective security operations' logistical and operational needs.

This ensures that both units function efficiently and effectively, inculcating reliability in their security operations.

"It is imperative to clarify the distinctions and underline the AFP's unwavering commitment to the structured approach taken to ensure the safety of the National leaders of the Philippines, establishing integrity and credibility with the general public," the statement stated.