TAGBILARAN CITY, Philippines: The commanding officer of the 702nd Ready Reserve Infantry Battalion, Lt. Col. Liza Migriño Quirog, was prevented from entering the Bohol Provincial Capitol on Tuesday, Sept. 5, while Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte was in the building.
Quirog, who is also a member of the National Security Council, posted on Facebook that she was barred by the Vice Presidential Security Group (VPSG) from entering the Capitol despite having an official business there.
Quirog, a first degree cousin of Bohol Congressman Edgar M. Chatto, is also the head of Bohol’s Office of the Provincial Agriculture.
She said that all 81 of her battalion personnel were deployed in the streets of Tagbilaran City as force multipliers for the security of Duterte, who was in Bohol for the kick-off of the National Teachers Month celebration.
“Good morning sir Gen Romeo Brawner Jr sir, is this the new character of our troops in the AFP? I think this manner of handling the people by the PSG needs to be reviewed,” Quirog wrote in her post, addressing her message to Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Chief-of-Staff.
Quirog’s post has been shared on social media, with many netizens expressing their support and sympathy for her.
Some also criticized the VPSG for their alleged lack of courtesy and professionalism.
The VPSG has not issued any statement regarding the incident as of press time.
Duterte, who is rumored to be running for president in the 2028 elections, visited Bohol as part of her nationwide tour to promote her education agenda and to consult with local leaders.
She was accompanied by Senator Imee Marcos, and other allies.