Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr. on Wednesday (November 27) belied reports claiming that he is taking over the security group of Vice President Sara Duterte

In an ambush interview, Brawner said security protection for the vice president will continue to be provided by the Presidential Security Command.

“Hindi po totoo na I will take over the VPSPG (Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group),” he told reporters.

However, the top military official revealed the relief of the current VPSPG contingent assigned to Duterte, saying that a new group of military and police personnel will take over the task.

“The reason why we are doing this is because we received a subpoena from (the) Philippine National Police. IImbestigahan iyong mga members ng VPSPG . Hindi pa namin alam ang specifics ng kaso or iyong investigation,” said Brawner.

He explained that subpoenas will make the current batch assigned to Duterte ineffective in fulfilling their duty to protect and secure the vice president.

“That is why we are temporarily pulling them out, replacing them. We are going to replace them,” said the AFP chief.

The PNP has filed complaints of direct assault, grave coercion and disobedience against Duterte and her security officers.

Charged before the Quezon City Prosecutor’s Offic were Duterte, VPSPG chief Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica and several John Does.

The charges stemmed from the trouble caused by Duterte’s visit to her chief of staff lawyer Zuleika Lopez at the House of Representatives Detention Center and the Veterans Memorial Medical Center.

The PNP said in a statement that Dr. Van Jason Villamor of the PNP Health Services and his witnesses filed the complaints.

“The charges accuse Vice President Duterte,Col. Lachica and other individuals of unlawful acts related to the assault, disobedience and coercion that occured during the incident,” said the PNP.

sacks VP Sara’s security contingent following filing of complaints by PNP