CAMP AGUINALDO, Quezon City — The Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG), which celebrates its first anniversary yesterday, underscored its commitment to carry out its mandate to secure the country’s Vice President.

The VPSPG, formerly the Vice Presidential Security Detachment, is a separate unit from the Presidential Security Group (PSG). It has 440 personnel.

VPSPG commander Colonel Raymund Dante Lachica, who delivered a message on behalf of his troops, vowed to provide the Vice President the utmost protection as she performs her duties as the second highest official of the land.

“We will make sure that we will continue to provide excellent security for as long as we serve them,” Lachica said.

“We must and we will continue to deliver above and beyond our duties. Kung ano ang ipinakita natin sa nakalipas na panahon, mas dodoblehin natin at mas pagbubutihin ito sa mga susunod pa na taon,” he added.

Vice President Sara Duterte, who was the event’s keynote speaker, thanked the security unit.

“Personally, let me thank all of you. Hindi ninyo naman kailangan pero marami sa inyo ang personal yung suporta sa akin as Vice President. Maraming salamat sa inyong lahat.”

Duterte also thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) for supporting the activation of the VPSPG last year.

“We thank the AFP for seeing the wisdom behind the request and we thank the leadership of our President — Apo BBM — for the support that he has given to us,” the Vice President said.

“Last year, the Armed Forces of the Philippines leadership agreed to our proposal to form a team of personnel to look after the security of all Vice Presidents of the Philippines from hereon,” she added.

She also called on the VPSPG personnel to continue to be partners in pursuing the programs and projects of the Office of the Vice President to the people.

“Let us work tirelessly in realizing the Office of the Vice President's national programs and special projects by exemplifying the spirit of compassionate service and goodwill to our kababayan,” Duterte said.