President-elect Rodrigo Duterte admitted that there were many things he needed to getting use to as the President of the country, including being surrounded by the Presidential Security Group (PSG).
Duterte, speaking before a group of Cebuano supporters on Wednesday night, said he felt “awkward” being surrounded with security because as a “probinsyano” (someone from the province), he was used to be with a lot of people.
“I feel awkward nga labyan nako ang mga tawo nga wa gyud nako sila maistorya, pasalamat sa ilang tabang (I feel awkward that I would just pass by without even talking to the people, to thank them for their help),” he added.
Duterte narrated that officers of the PSG arrived in Davao City early this week and informed him that they would be guarding him from then on.
He said he wanted to say no but he had to give in since he was aware that they needed to ensure his security as the country’s incoming President.
“I was trying to argue with PSG (at first) because I throw them out of Task Force Davao. If I want to die, I want to die alone. I don’t want to drag other people. (But the) PSG said, (you know), Sir, (we believe in you) we will obey you except po sa trabaho namin (except when it involves our job) because the order does not come from you; it comes from the mandate (given by the people), sa batas (from the law),” Duterte narrated.
But since Duterte has still to assume office, the PSG personnel that guarded him were in civilian clothes and were made to blend with his entourage, Cebu Daily News learned.
Duterte, who visited Cebu for the first time since he won, might have shunned the media but was very accommodating to supporters who wanted their photos taken with him.
Before he left the Cebu Country Club, where the thanksgiving party was held, Duterte broke protocol and stepped out of his vehicle to briefly talk to about 20 supporters standing at the gate of the club, as they were not allowed to get inside because they had no invitations.
He apologized that he could not just approach them because his movements were now controlled by the PSG.
“Salamat kaayo sa suporta sa mga Bisaya. Naka-presidente na gyud ta og Bisaya. Kamusta man mo? (I am thankful for the support of the Bisaya. We now have a Bisaya president. How are you?)” he told the group.
After the brief greeting, the incoming President was whisked away, as he proceeded to his next meeting, with a mix of local businessmen and politicians who were mostly identified with Liberal Party.