2 PSG men arrested for alleged robbery, Palace confirms

A Malacañang spokesperson on Thursday confirmed that two members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) have been arrested for alleged robbery.

 

At a press briefing, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the PSG's leadership is "fully cooperating" with the probe on the robbery allegedly committed by two of its men, identified by earlier reports as Marvin Gaton and Bobby Atis.

 

"Nakikipag-cooperate na po ang PSG sa kanila kung ano ho ‘yung ilalabas ng imbestigasyon, meaning, if the evidence on record warrants the filing of charges against these two, then the PSG will not stand in the way," Valte said.

 

Gaton and Atis were reportedly involved in the robbing of an auto parts shop along Mindanao Avenue in Quezon City. Gaton also allegedly violated the election gun ban for carrying a firearm inside a bar in the same area while not on duty.

 

Valte said the two arrested men are not part of the President's close-in security detail, but are just part of the "manpower complement that provide the support staff services to the PSG."

 

The President's spokesperson likewise said the PSG "does not condone any criminal act."

 

"The PSG tries very hard to instill this particular trait in the people who do join the PSG, and it’s unfortunate that there’s an incident like this," she said.

 

The PSG is the lead agency tasked in providing security to the President and the First Family. It also provides security to heads of states and diplomats who visit the Philippines. — Andreo Calonzo/RSJ, GMA News