52 PNP-CSG personnel on floating status due to 'malpractices'

The Philippine National Police - Civil Security Group (PNP-CSG) has implemented a revamp amid reports of malpractices and over familiarity with stakeholders within the unit.

According to PNP - CSG chief Police Major General Robert Fajardo on Friday, the reshuffle placed 52 CSG personnel under floating status, noting that the move was part of the internal cleansing campaign of the unit and to comply with President Rodrigo Duterte's directive regarding ease of doing business in government transactions.

"I implemented another major revamp in Civil Security Group personnel holding sensitive position. This is to enhance CSG's frontline services due to reports of malpractices and over familiarity with stakeholders," Fajardo said at a press briefing.

"This is to expedite transaction of registration of firearms, security guard licenses, license to operate and other permits," he added.

Of the 52 personnel, 30 are police commissioned officers, 17 are police non-commissioned officers and five are non-uniformed personnel.

Fajardo refused to provide further details on their identities but said the highest rank who was involved is a police colonel. He said these personnel could also face cases if formal complaints would be filed against them.

"Kung may magko-complain... I'm very happy kung may magko-complain, we will file the necessary case," he said.

Fajardo strongly warned his men that the reshuffle within the unit would continue: "Every quarter I will revamp based on performance, based on reports, hanggang may magreklamo."

Meanwhile, according to Fajardo, he also directed chiefs of all regional civil security units to coordinate with different PNP units as part of the crackdown on all unauthorized protection agents.

Fajardo said his office has received information that there were protective agents providing VIP security even if they don't have the necessary permits to operate. He added that this is a grave violation of Republic Act No. 5487 on VIP Security.

"Additional na naman itong instruction ko. Maraming agency na nagbibigay ng protection sa mga VIPs, particularly foreigners. I instructed them to coordinate with CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group), HPG (Highway Patrol Group)," Fajardo said. —KBK, GMA News