THE ARMED Forces of the Philippines (AFP) confirmed on Tuesday, Oct. 7, that Colonel Raymund Dante P. Lachica was relieved from his post as commander of the AFP Security and Protection Group (ASPG), effective Oct. 4, 2025, due to an “existing case filed before the Office of the Ombudsman.”
In a statement to TIMES, Colonel Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, said Lachica was reassigned to the Philippine Army.
“The reassignment was made in view of an existing case filed before the Office of the Ombudsman involving Colonel Lachica and Col. Nolasco,” Trinidad said.
The ASPG is formerly known as the Vice Presidential Security Protection Group, whose primary task is to protect Vice President Sara Duterte.
He said, “To ensure continuity of leadership and operations within the unit, Lieutenant Colonel Joseph Israel B. Eleosida, PA, has been designated as the Acting Commander of the AFPSPG, effective the same date.”
The AFP ensures a smooth transition of leadership to maintain the efficiency and professionalism of the ASPG in the performance of its mandated mission.
The move comes as Lachica and another security aide, Colonel Dennis Nolasco, were previously recommended by the House of Representatives to face charges, including plunder, technical malversation, bribery, and corruption, over an alleged financial issue.
Initial confusion over transition
The reassignment initially caused confusion within the security detail. Sources close to the office of the high-ranking national official confirmed the sudden change, noting that Lachica reportedly received no prior notification before his relief.
According to the source, Lachica expressed concern over the adherence to military procedure.
