Marcos urges PSG to fully support new chief
President Marcos has urged the entire Presidential Security Group (PSG) to fully support their new commander in carrying out their duties in ensuring the safety of the first family and other VIPs.
"I trust that you will fully support Gen. Morales, just as you did Gen. (Ramon) Zagala with your hallmark integrity, excellence and service," Marcos said.
The President welcomed Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales as he assumed his position as the new PSG chief during the change of command ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 18.
Morales will be replacing Brig. General Ramon Zagala, who was appointed to the position in July last year and will move to a new role in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
He expressed his confidence that under Morales' leadership, the PSG will continue to fulfill its role. He also thanked him "for stepping up and taking this assignment as the next head of the PSG."
"I am confident with your training, with your experience, and overall competence, the PSG will continue to fulfill its role of protecting this institution," Marcos said.
"I certainly look forward to working with you. Let me likewise take the opportunity to express our gratitude to our valiant offices and troops," he added.
In his speech, Morales said he intends to sustain and improve further the efforts of the past commanders.
The new PSG Chief stated that within the first three months of his leadership, the PSG will further improve the capability of the PSG Training School and endeavor for more technology integration in the PSG's training system.
He added that the PSG will continue to enhance its inter-agency cooperation to establish a "seamless web of protection to stay ahead of potential threats."
"We will maintain a culture of orderliness within our unit and any breaches of trust will be dealt with swiftly," Morales said.
Meanwhile, Marcos took time to express appreciation to Zagala whom, he said, "has helped ensure that my first and most-crucial year in the presidency has been safe and sound."
"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 said.
"You have also maintained and guarded the PSG’s distinction as one of the best protectors of the land, worthy to preserve the Presidency as a stern and reliable institution," Marcos added.
The President cited that under Zagala's leadership, the PSG has successfully provided security to nearly 500 Presidential events, both domestic and international engagements and facilitated the conduct of training programs on VIP protection, benefiting 545 PSG personnel.
"I wish you well and all the best in your new assignment as the Commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service. We can safely say that you have left the Presidential Security Group a more capable, more efficient, and a better unit than you found," Marcos told Zagala.