By Francis Wakefield
There is a new commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) in charge of the security of President Duterte and his family.
Presidential Security Group (PSG) personnel who ensure the safety of the President as seen in this photo will have a new leader starting May 30, 2018. (Malacañang Photo | Manila Bulletin)
Col. Jose Niembra, a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class 1991, will replace Brig. Gen. Lope Dagoy who assumed as commander of the 802nd Infantry Brigade based in Leyte.
The turnover ceremony will be held at 4:30 p.m. on May 30 at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park, Manila.
Aside from President Duterte, also expected to grace the turnover ceremony are Defense Secretary Delfin N. Lorenzana and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief of staff Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr.
Niembra is the current deputy group commander of the PSG and was former deputy commander of Task Force Davao. He was also a former commander of the Army's 58th Infantry Battalion.
Armed Forces of the Philippines-Public Affairs Office (AFP-PAO) chief Col. Noel Detoyato, described Niembra as very good intelligence officer.
"We were together at the 6th ID (Infantry Division) when we were young officers. His area of operation is in Davao. He was a platoon leader, company commander and battalion commander that's why he's adept in operations," Detoyato said.
"Knowing his background, he used to serve with the Task Force Davao. We were assigned there together from 2004 up to 2010. After that, he went on schooling until he became a battalion commander in Mindanao and then eventually in his current position," he said.
Detoyato said Niembra is a silent worker but he delivers.
"Masipag talaga (He's truly hardworking). He is simple, very soft spoken and has a very good work ethic," he added.