MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Saturday clarified that the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) was not disbanded but reorganized.
This clarification was issued following reports that the VPSPG had been dissolved by AFP Chief of Staff Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr.
In a statement, the AFP said the reorganization of the VPSPG into the AFP Security and Protection Group was part of its “rationalization and streamlining efforts,” which took effect last February, as approved by the Department of National Defense.
“This administrative adjustment was undertaken to unify security and protection operations. It ensures the continued, uninterrupted, and robust protection of the Vice President within a more integrated and optimized framework,” the AFP explained.
The current setup is also “more efficient and effective” in ensuring the safety and security of the present and future vice presidents.
“It is worth noting that the VPSPG was only created in June 2022. Prior to this, Vice Presidents were secured by the Security and Protection Battalion under the AFP General Headquarters and Headquarters Support Command, with no dedicated military security group,” the AFP said.
The AFP appealed to the public to refrain from spreading false or misleading information and to use communications platforms to promote “unity, peace, and understanding” rather than “hatred and division.”
It also added that the AFP “remains fully committed to the safety and protection of the vice president and all key officials of the government.”
