Tulfo’s remarks vs DSWD chief a ‘factor’ in security detail pullout - PNP Chief

(L-R) Broadcaster Erwin Tulfo and PNP Chief Police General Oscar Albayalde

PNP Chief Police General Oscar Albayalde has admitted that broadcaster Erwin Tulfo’s remark against Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista was a “factor” in the security detail pullout.

According to Albayalde, having a security detail is a privilege that should not be abused.

“Hindi magandang tingnan sa publiko na ang mismong pino-protektahan ng pulis ang mismong umaatake sa mga opisyal ng gobyerno, (It is not good for the public to see that those being protected by the police are the ones attacking government officials)” he said on Monday (June 3).

However, Albayalde clarified that it is not the basic reason. He said that recalling the Tulfo brothers’ security escorts is part of the review of the Police Security and Protection Group (PSPG).

“Of course, that is not the basic reason [Tulfo’s remarks] for the recall but it’s a factor also,” Albayalde said.

PSPG Director PCol. Filmore Escobal also said that the recall of security detail was not meant for the Tulfo brothers alone.

“It’s a part of a regular process of PSPG to periodically review the availment of PSP’s o Protective Security Personnel doon sa mga protectees so hindi lang po iyan sa specific personality but we periodically review, pinapa-report namin sila just to conduct police information and continuing education, (It’s a part of a regular process of PSPG to periodically review the availment of PSP’s o Protective Security Personnel for the protectees so that is not for a specific personality but we periodically review, we ask them to report to us just to conduct police information and continuing education ” he said.

READ: PMAAI calls out Tulfo for remarks vs DSWD Secretary

Meanwhile, Ben Tulfo, during his program on Monday (June 3) also reiterated that having a security is not a right but a privilege.

“Sanay kaming tanggalan ng mga PSPG kasi hindi karapatan iyan, pribilehiyo iyan, (We are used to it, because that is not a right but a privilege)” he said.

Erwin Tulfo has already issued an apology for his remarks against Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary Rolando Bautista.

Tulfo allegedly called Bautista ‘buang’ or crazy after the Social Security Secretary did not agree to an on-air interview.- (with reports from Lea Ylagan)