Senate panel withdraws Bolante's security escort

The Senate blue ribbon committee today ordered the immediate withdrawal of the security personnel assigned to escort former undersecretary Jocelyn Bolante after learning that he is already being guarded by members of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Independent Senator Richard J. Gordon, committee chair, said that members of the panel during a caucus decided for the withdrawal of Office of the Sergeant-At-Arms (OSAA) personnel tasked to provide protection to Bolante.

"We have learned that there are six police officers assigned to escort Mr. Bolante since the time he arrived here in the country. Therefore, we do not need to provide him with added security from the Senate," he said.

Gordon explained that six members of the PNP-Police Security Protection Office provided security for Bolante from the time he arrived at the NAIA and his confinement at the St. Luke's Medical Center until today in his Ayala Alabang residence.

He added that Bolante's security escorts from the Senate would be immediately withdrawn once Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile signs the order to do so.