With the presidential election on March 18 fast approaching, the National Security Bureau yesterday introduced its special task force of bodyguards whose jobs it will be to protect the presidential candidates, their running mates, staff and families.
The group of specially trained bodyguards, presented to the public at a ceremony presided over by Ting Yu-chou (
"This is the fiercest election campaign Taiwan has ever seen," said Ting.
"Our enemies could seize the opportunity to embark on a mission of infiltration and sabotage," he added.
The bureau's Special Service Command Center has been putting together the bodyguard team since last April. The massive task involved enlisting qualified agents from the military and the police, building training courses in cooperation with National Police Administration and Central Election Commission, and supplying the task force with a variety of up-to-date weaponry and equipment.
The bodyguards were asked to maintain "administrative neutrality," according to Ting, meaning they should not display any political bias or show their preference for any particular candidate.
"All candidates are equal," said Ting.
The security chief also stressed that his team will not interfere in or seek to interrupt the election campaign.
"Their job is to maintain security and they will set a model of neutrality for other civil servants," he said.
Ting also warned of the sensitivity of the election.
"President Lee repeatedly said that he wants a peaceful transfer of political power," said Ting. "And it is our job to make sure the election is held successfully."
The bodyguards' jobs will involve more than just acting tough. They are also expected to deal with members of the public in a courteous manner, especially those who want to get in close to the candidates. The KMT's vice presidential candidate, Premier Vincent Siew, for one, has demanded that his bodyguards take public relations courses in order not to prompt complaints.
Starting Sunday, the public will see the bodyguards moving around behind the candidates in black jackets bearing the number "2000."
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