- PNP and AFP recalled security detail assigned to the Tulfo brothers
- Erwin Tulfo issued a public apology to the DSWD Secretary
The Tulfo Brothers have been stripped of their security detail from the Philippine National Police and the Marines.
This comes after broadcaster Erwin Tulfo’s unsavory tirades against Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Secretary and former AFP Chief Rolando Bautista.
On Saturday, June 1, the PNP decided to withdraw the security detail assigned to the Tulfo brothers Erwin, Ben, and Raffy and his wife Jocelyn.
This was confirmed by PNP Police Security and Protection Group Chief Brigadier General Filmore Escobal in a phone interview with Rappler.
“Their deployment is under review for possible violations of claiming security details,” Escobal told Rappler.
Meanwhile, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through its spokesman Marine Brigadier General Edgard Arevalo said they also pulled out the two Marines assigned to the eldest Tulfo, Special Envoy to China Ramon Tulfo.
According to Arevalo, the recall coincided with the process of deploying back the marines to their headquarters which has been ongoing since last year.
“The Corps has sent correspondence to their respective principals since last year informing them of the order requiring the Marines to report back to headquarters for consequent deployment to forward units,” he said.
Good morals need to keep security
While Escobal seemingly sugarcoats the reason for the pulling out of Tulfo’s security, PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde admitted that Erwin’s statements against Bautista were a factor.
According to him, good morals are needed to keep police security details.
“Good moral character is a [criterion] like [when one applies for] possession of firearms,” Albayalde said during a press briefing at Camp Crame.
“Who would believe us if we say it has nothing to do with it? It has something to do with the comments to the Secretary of the DSWD (Department of Social Welfare and Development), but that is not the main reason…One thing here is that you give a person security detail and yet you are attacked by him. What would you feel? Remember, protective security is a matter of privilege, and we cannot abuse this,” he added.
Tulfo brothers asked for security details
Many netizens were shocked to learn the Tulfo brothers had security detail from the government. The PNP clarified that it was the siblings who asked the police for their security details.
In the same press briefing at Camp Crame, PNP chief Albayalde said the Tulfo Brothers requested for their security escorts as private individuals.
Apparently, PNP can issue security details to businessmen, VIPs, and other private citizens if they are faced with security threats.
Individuals have to apply with the PNP by filling out the forms containing personal information and details of the supposed threats. The PNP will then examine whether the threats are real and also verify the character and credibility of the persons applying.
In the case of the Tulfo brothers, Albayalde said they are no different from other private individuals who applied for police escorts after receiving threats on their lives.
Public Apology
After getting backlash from social media and from several active and retired members of the police and military, Erwin Tulfo issued a public apology to DSWD Sec. Rolando Bautista.
During his radio show, Erwin apologized to Bautista for cursing and threatening to slap him in person.
“Ako po at ang buong pamilya Tulfo ay nagpapakumbabang humihingi po ng kapatawaran kay retired general at ngayo’y Secretary ng DSWD, Rolando Bautista, sa pagmumura at pambabastos ko sa kanya on air… Nawa’y mapatawad ninyo ako bilang isang tao na may mga kamalian at pagkukulang din,” he said.
Aside from his public apology, Erwin also shared that he is ready to personally apologize to the Secretary to put closure to the issue. He also vows to change their style of broadcasting which according to him is already obsolete with the changing times.
“I think I have to tone it down, I have to change my style kahit na sinasabi na it is kind of a Tulfo-brand of journalism. I think we have to change that. My brothers agree with me, Mon, Raffy, Ben, we really have to tone down because times have changed,” Erwin said.
Erwin’s controversy came after his scathing comments about Sec. Bautista after the latter failed to grant him an interview. In his radio program last week, Tulfo issued strong words against Bautista which caught the ire of the police and the military.
“Sampalin kita ‘pag nakita kitang buang ka eh, wala akong pakialam ke retired General ka, mudmurin ko yung mukha mo sa inidoro. Dagdag ka sa problema,” Tulfo ranted.
