Colonel Ramon Zagala will be the next commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) in the Marcos administration.
The change of command ceremony is expected to take place Monday afternoon, July 4, at the PSG headquarters, according to Malacañang.
Prior to being tapped to lead the PSG, which is tasked to ensure the security of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and his family, Zagala was the spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
He holds a degree in AB Political Science at the De La Salle University in Manila graduating in 1990.
The 52-year-old officer was commissioned to the Regular Force on Aug. 9,1994 and was assigned to different Army and units covering Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao, holding various command and staff positions.
The incoming PSG chief has completed various career and specialization courses in the country and abroad such as VIP Protection Course, UN Peacekeeping Operations Pre-Deployment Training, Armor Officer Advance Course, the Public Affairs Officer Qualifying Course at Fort Meade, Maryland, USA, and Master’s degree in Military and Defense Studies in Australia among others.
Zagala has also received a number of awards and decorations both in administrative and combat duties. Some of these commendations are the Distinguished Service Star, a Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in combat, Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medal, 2 Bronze Cross Medals, 19 Military Merit Medals (3 in combat), AFP Senior Parachutist Badge, Army Aviator’s Badge, US public affairs badge, and the Presidential Medal of Merit.
He belongs to a family rich in military tradition spanning three generations —from his grandfather, Col. Ramon Zagala, to his father, retired Major General Rafael G Zagala, who served as Commanding General of the Philippine Army from January 16, 1972 to January 16, 1975 during the administration of then President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Sr.
READ MORE: AFP spokesman Zagala is incoming PSG chief — source