(PNA file photo) MANILA-As part of its efforts to secure the second highest-elected official of the land, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has activated the Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG). AFP public affairs office chief Col. Jorry Baclor, in a statement issued on Saturday, said the VPSPG is a military unit dedicated to the safety and security of the Vice President of the Philippines and her family. AFP chief, Gen. Andres Centino, led the activation ceremony on Friday at General Headquarters in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. Lt. Col. Rene J. Giroy was appointed as the first commander of the VPSPG. "The AFP saw it fitting to provide the Office of the Vice President a dedicated unit that shall ensure the safety and security of the second-highest elected official in the country," Centino said. The VPSPG is formerly the Vice Presidential Security Detachment attached to the Presidential Security Group. With its activation, the VPSPG is now a separate unit and is headed by an 0-6 grade officer which corresponds to the rank of Army, Air Force or Marine colonel or Navy captain. "I am confident that the newly-designated acting VPSPG Commander and the rest of the Officers and Enlisted Personnel entrusted to ensure the safety, security, and welfare of the Vice President and her family shall perform their responsibilities to the best of their abilities," Centino said. (PNA) }