Duterte “priority target” not only of NPA but drug syndicates also – PSG

December 18, 2019

President Rodrigo Duterte is a "priority target" not only of the communist New People's Army but also of the drug syndicates, the Presidential Security Group ( PSG) said on Wednesday.

PSG chief Brig. Gen. Jose Niembra admitted that they received information about the threat on the life of Duterte.

"The President is among the priority targets of... not only of the NPA but also of the drug lords, the syndicate groups," he told reporters.

Duterte has declared an all-out war against drugs.

But Niembra assured the public the PSG is doing its best to secure Duterte.

"So we'll do everything we can to secure the President. And in fact, what we have said, the mission of the PSG is to see to it that we have a living president day by day," Niembra said.

"We expect that the President is number one in their list. So as to the preparations and heightening of our security procedures, it's all ours. But rest assured, we're doing something to protect the President," he added.

Despite the threat on Duterte's life, Niebra said Duterte is planning to roam around in Metro Manila riding a motorcycle.

"He has a plan to go around Metro Manila on a motorcycle," he said.

But he admitted that as far as he is concerned, he did not want Duterte to pursue his plan.

Meanwhile, the PSG, along with the other concerned government agencies, is set to hold the First Presidential Silent Drill Competition on December 20 at Quirino Grandstand in Manila.

"This First Presidential Silent Drill Competition actually was conceptualized by no less than the President himself  He was the one who gave the guidance that the PSG and the PMS (Presidential Management Staff) organize a silent drill competition to showcase to the nation the capability and character of our ROTC (Reserve Officers' Training Corps) cadets and our service academies," Niembra said in a press briefing in Malacañang.

"Hopefully, this will awaken the interest of our people in the ROTC program," he added. Celerina Monte/DMS