PSG chief to public: Don't judge us based on robbery incident

The head of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) has promised “full cooperation” on the investigation on his two men who were accused of committing robbery, and enjoined the public not to judge the whole organization based on that incident.

“I’d like to say for the record, 2,000 or more men and women in uniform are assigned to PSG. For the most part they have been doing their jobs well, above expectation. As for the scalawags, there will be no tolerance, we’ll go after them also,” said Brig. Gen. Ramon Mateo Dizon in a chance interview Friday.

Dizon said the two, Marvin Gaton and Bobby Atis, are already in the custody of the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) after they were arrested for robbing an auto parts shop on Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City.

Gaton was also arrested for violating the election gun ban for carrying a firearm inside a bar in the same area while not on duty.

“The QCPD is doing the investigation. Of course since yesterday we’ve been in touch [with the QCPD, and] the PSG will cooperate fully with his investigation,” Dizon said.
 
Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Gaton and Atis were not part of President Benigno Aquino III's close-in security detail but of the "manpower complement that provide the support staff services to the PSG."

The Philippine Army has already expressed full support and cooperation on the ongoing investigation.

Dizon said the PSG has sent its own investigator to observe the QCPD’s progress. He refused to speculate on the motivations of Gaton and Atis, and reminded the public that while under investigation, the two men are entitled to due process.

“I’m sorry, that’s their own. They must have their own reasons. [Pero] may process tayo. Charges have been filed. Let them answer to whatever they did, if they in fact did that. There is due process, and we will never tolerate criminalities,” Dizon said.

“The soldiers involved also have their rights. Our lawyers have also been sent to assist them,” he added. — Patricia Denise Chiu/KBK, GMA News