By Romie A. Evangelista

The National Police shells out P228 million for annual salaries of policemen who render services other than their regular tasks.

At least 1,434 policemen are assigned as security escorts to 871 very important people including businessmen and government functionaries.

That means about two cops serve as bodyguards for every VIP, a ratio that is far better than the ideal police-population ratio of 1 cop to 500 citizens, according to the agency. The actual ratio is 1:1,500.

At present, the National Police is complaining about lack of manpower but still it is obligated by law to provide security detail to VIPs and government functionaries.

The Police Security and Protection Group said there are 1,434 cops assigned to 871 VIPs and government officials.

Of that number, 596 cops guard 207 government officials and get paid P7.9 million monthly. Another 848 other personnel assigned to 646 VIPs get P11.44 million in monthly pay.

VIPs from the private sector, numbering 664, are being secured by 848 cops round-the-clock.

The law requires the PSPG to provide protective security to government officials including lawmakers and court justices, private individuals, and foreign dignitaries, as well as assist the Presidential Security Group in securing the President and members of the First Family.

Private individuals seeking police protection must prove that they are under serious threat, the PSPG said.

The chairman of the National Police Commission, who is also the DILG secretary, can assign a security personnel to individuals for over 180 days with extension while the National Police chief, or PSPG chief, police regional, provincial and city directors can grant security detail good for 30 days.

There are at least 3,000 personnel from regional, city and town offices who, under the supervision of PNP officers in the area, can be deployed as VIP bodyguards when the need arises, according to the PSPG.