PSG explains use of bullet-proof glass at Duterte’s speaking engagement in Malabon

The Presidential Security Group (PSG) explained Wednesday why they decided to place a bullet-proof glass on the podium during President Rodrigo Duterte’s attendance at the PDP-Laban campaign rally in Malabon City a day earlier.

Duterte spoke for around two hours during the event and at one point said someone wanted him dead as he inspected the protective panel.

“[The] PSG decided to put bullet-proof glass on the presidential podium because the activity was situated in an open area,” PSG commander Brigadier General Jose Eriel Niembra said in a statement.

“Whilst our President wanted to have close encounter and dialogues with the people, PSG acknowledges the need to balance security and accessibility of the President,” he added.

Niembra said the PSG’s mandate is to protect the President “thus, multi-faceted threats are usual considerations.”

“With or without outstanding threat, it is but imperative for PSG to implement the highest security protocols,” he said.

“In every engagement, assessment of the venue is conducted in order to determine the type of security measures needed to be enforced.”

In his speech, Duterte said he had no "control" over the security arrangements prepared by the PSG even as he reminisced the time when people could go near him as Davao City mayor.

He recalled that when he assumed the presidency in 2016, the PSG asked him to keep a safe distance from the crowd.

"Pagka-presidente ko iba ang istilo at gusto nila distansiya at hindi makadikit," he said.

Duterte had earlier said that ensuring his safety would be tantamount to "protecting the nation." — RSJ, GMA News