President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has expressed confidence in the competence of the new Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief as he led the change of command ceremony on Wednesday in Malacañang.
Meanwhile, several high-ranking officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) will assume new positions following an order of appointments approved by the President and Commander in Chief.
In his remarks at the turnover ceremony, the President Marcos said he looks forward to working with Brig. Gen. Jesus Morales as the new PSG commander, adding that Morales would do good in his new role.
“As the PSG embarks on a new chapter, let me join you in welcoming our new Commander. Brigadier General Jesus Nelson Morales, thank you for stepping up and taking on this assignment as the next head of PSG,” the Chief Executive said.
“I am confident—with your training, your experience, and overall competence—the PSG will continue to fulfil its role of protecting this institution,” he said.
Mr. Marcos called on the PSG personnel to show support for their new commander as they did with their former chief, Brig. Gen. Ramon Zagala.
“Let me likewise take the opportunity to express my gratitude to our valiant officers and troops. I trust that you will fully support General Morales just as you did [for] General Zagala with your hallmark integrity, service, and excellence,” the President said.
At the same time, Marcos hailed Zagala’s work and leadership as the former PSG chief.
“General Demy, I speak on behalf of the First Lady, Liza, Congressman Sandro, Simon, and Vincent in congratulating you on your successful tour of duty as PSG commander,” the President said.
“Under your able leadership, you have kept me, the First Family, visiting former dignitaries and foreign Presidents, as well as the general public within the vicinity of Malacañang, safe and away from any serious threats to human or national security,” Marcos added.
Zagala was appointed as the head of the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ civil relations services.
Lt. Gen. William Gonzales was relieved from his post as AFP Inspector General and designated as the head of Western Mindanao Command.
Gonzales will swap places with Maj. Gen Steve Crespillo.
Maj. Gen Gabriel Viray III who is expected to command the 1st Infantry Division, relinquished his post as the deputy chief of staff for civil-military operations to Brig. Gen. Arvin Lagamontg, commander of the AFP civil relations service.
The civil relations porfolio goes to Brig. Gen. Ramon Zagala who vacates his post as commander of the Presidential Security Group in a ceremony on October 18, at the PSG compound in Malacañang.
The PCG command will pass on to Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales, the current deputy commander of Air Logistics Command of the Philippine Air Force.
Meanwhile, Brig. Gen. Edmundo Peralta assumed as the new chief of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) in a turnover of command presided by the AFP Chief of Staff General Romeo Brawner Jr in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City.
The officers were duly screened by the AFP Board of Generals following the principles of merit, fitness, character, and honor.
The candidates were endorsed through the Secretary of National Defense to the Commander in Chief.