PNP recalls over 670 bodyguards ahead of May 2025 polls

Headquarters of the Philippine National Police and its logo. FILE PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) recalled over 670 protective security personnel (PSP) ahead of the May 2025 national and local elections, as of Jan. 12, the law enforcement announced on Wednesday.
All existing authority granting security personnel or bodyguards were automatically revoked at the start of the election period, per Section 33 of Rule XIII in the Commission on Elections (Comelec) Resolution No. 11067 issued last September.
“Based on the data we have, the recalled PSPs for government officials numbered at 445. For private individuals, it was around 228,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo told reporters in Camp Crame via Zoom on Wednesday.
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Fajardo added that data from the Security and Protection Group (SPG) showed that among those under the protection of the recalled personnel were 197 candidates in the midterm polls.
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Article continues after this advertisementThe PNP spokesperson, who is also now the Central Luzon police chief, did not provide a breakdown of the affected candidates, only saying that among them were governors, mayors and councilors.
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The election period began last Sunday, Jan. 12 and will end on June 11, 2025.
During this time, candidates are prohibited from using security personnel or bodyguards unless authorized by the commission.
The same Comelec resolution provided that eligible individuals may apply for a Certificate of Authority- Security Details “when circumstances warrant, including but not limited to threats to their life.”
Incumbent public officials, whether elected or appointed; and private individuals, including former public officials are allowed to apply for the exemption.
If approved, the individuals are allowed to avail the services of up to two personnel from the PNP, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), other law enforcement agencies or private security services providers.
As for the recalled security personnel, in the meantime, Fajardo said, “They will undergo a refresher course so that, once the election is over, they can be deployed to those who need protective security.”
“For those assigned to the regions, they will be distributed and deployed for election duties so that there would be additional manpower for territorial police units,” she explained.