PDEA chief Aquino's security escorts recalled, reinstated

The Philippine National Police (PNP) had recalled the security escorts of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) chief Aaron Aquino, but reinstated them after Aquino appealed to President Rodrigo Duterte.

Interviewed by GMA News Online on Monday, PDEA spokesperson Derrick Carreon said the PNP Police Regional Office 3 (PRO3) recalled Aquino's security details on September 18.

According to Carreon, PNP recalled Aquino’s security team to use them in the preparations for the Southeast Asian Games. However, Aquino later on learned that they were not used for that purpose.

“The PNP said they need the police contingent in preparation for the Southeast Asian Games,” Carreon said. “Unfortunately, nalaman ni Director General Aquino na hindi related sa SEA Games yung pinagawang duty sa kanyang security team.”

After knowing this, Carreon said Aquino appealed to Duterte to get his security team back, citing the death threats against him and his family.

On September 26, Duterte approved Aquino’s request.

“Malacañang mismo ang nag-authorize ng pagbalik dahil nga po batid nila yung security threat sa amin director general,” Carreon said.

Carreon said Aquino already talked to PRO3 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Joel Napoleon Coronel regarding the matter.

Aquino earlier bared that 53 members of the PNP were included on the list of "ninja cops” or policemen involved in the recycling of illegal drugs seized during anti-drug operations. —KBK, GMA News