Robredo's security stepped up after VP accepted ICAD co-chair post —spokesperson

The security provided to Vice President Leni Robredo has been stepped up after she accepted the post as co-chair of the Inter-agency Council on Anti-Illegal Drugs, her spokesperson Atty. Barry Gutierrez said on Saturday.

"Mayroon pong dagdag na panganib ang trabaho na ito dahil drug lords ang kanyang makakalaban. Pero alam nila ito ang tamang gawin. Noong nag-decide na siya na tanggapin ang trabaho, nag-step up na ang kanyang mga security para masiguro ang kanyang kaligtasan," Gutierrez said in an interview on Dobol B sa News TV aired over GMA News TV.

Atty. Gutierrez: Noong nag-decide na siya na tanggapin ang trabaho, nag-step up na ang kanyang mga security para masiguro ang kanyang kaligtasan. https://t.co/Jl7zdrja0g

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) November 9, 2019

Robredo accepted on Wednesday President Rodrigo Duterte's appointment of her as co-chairperson of the ICAD.

The position holds a Cabinet rank, and the term will be until June 30, 2022, the end of the administration's term, unless sooner revoked.

Gutierrez said Robredo is aware of the risk that comes with the appointment, and regards her family's security as paramount.

Atty. Gutierrez: Si VP Leni, importante ang seguridad ng pamilya niya sa kanya. https://t.co/Jl7zdrja0g

— DZBB Super Radyo (@dzbb) November 9, 2019

Despite the risk, Robredo accepted the post since it will be worth it if at least one life would be saved, Gutierrez said.

"Sa kabila ng mga babala na posibleng patibong lamang ito, naisip ni VP Leni kung makakapaligtas ako ng isang buhay ay sapat na ito para tanggapin," he said.

"Ang kanyang desisyon ay binase niya sa kung ano ang tama," Gutierrez added.

Robredo's spokesperson said they are counting on the support of the various government agencies in addressing the drug problem.

"Umaasa kami ng suporta mula sa iba't ibang ahensya ng pamahalaan," Gutierrez said.

"Pinaghahawakan namin ang sinasabi ng Malacañang na makakakuha ng full support si VP Leni," he added.

He added that Robredo is willing to work with the administration and set aside differences.

"Si VP, naniniwala 'yan sa 2nd chances. Isantabi ang mga nakaraan at muling subukan," Gutierrez added.

Malacañang on Saturday called on the public to give Robredo the space to have her own strategy against illegal drugs.

Robredo will meet with law enforcement cluster of ICAD, he said.

"Gusto ni VP Leni na mapalakas ang enforcement. Ang gusto ni VP Leni, laban sa droga hindi laban sa tao," Gutierrez said. —KG, GMA News