DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. (File photo)
MANILA – Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. on Wednesday ordered an investigation into the presence of a Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team in a private event in Pasig City.
In a statement, Abalos said he received reports regarding the presence of the SWAT team from Batangas during the recent "soft-launching" of a networking company.
Abalos said pictures of the SWAT team sent to his office showed the personnel were in their respective uniforms, with some carrying their firearms.
"Nag-isyu na ako ng direktiba sa Hepe ng Philippine National Police para agarang imbestigahan ito. Aasahan ko ang ulat ng PNP sa lalong madaling panahon (I have directed the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) (Gen. Rommel Marbil) to immediately probe this. I expect to get a report from the PNP at the soonest possible time)," the DILG chief said.
He added the DILG will not tolerate the deployment of police personnel as private escorts or for purely private purposes.
"Rest assured that, under my watch, our police force is and will remain laser-focused on their legal mandate to ensure peace and order," Abalos added. (PNA)
