Speech

Speech by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. at the Presidential Security Group (PSG) Change of Command Ceremony

Event Presidential Security Group Change of Command Ceremony
Location PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park, Manila

Thank you very much, Secretary Gilbert Teodoro.

[But before we carry on, the Troop Commander will give the command of tikas pahinga]

The AFP Chief of Staff General Romy Brawner and the other major service commanders who have joined us here today; of course, our outgoing PSG Commander Brigadier General Demy Zagala; Incoming PSG Commander Brigadier General Jesus Nelson B. Morales; the officers, enlisted personnel, and civilian employees of the Presidential Security Group; distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen, good afternoon.

Now, we honor one of the individuals who has helped ensure that my first and most-crucial year in the presidency has been safe and sound.

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.

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.

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.

With the unified efforts of the Office of the President and the PSG, you have successfully provided security to nearly 500 Presidential events, both domestic and international engagements.

You have also facilitated the conduct of training programs on VIP protection which benefitted the 545 PSG personnel.

To further enhance the group’s capabilities, you have led the acquisition of advanced and modern equipment under the Multi-year Materiel Capability Development Plan of 2022-2028. There are also ongoing improvements in the PSG Headquarters.

With that being said, I wish you well and all the best in your new assignment as the Commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service.

You may be — we can safely say that you have left the Presidential Security Group a more capable, more efficient, and a better unit than you found.

Your experience as PSG Commander will undoubtedly come in handy for all that you will do in the future. For all the duties and all the commands that you will hold, I am very certain that your experience here with us, at the Presidential Security Group will serve you well.

Once again, thank you very much Brigadier General Demy Zagala for your loyal service. [applause] We offer you our snappiest salute.

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.

I am confident—with your training, your experience, and overall competence—the PSG will continue to fulfill its role of protecting this institution.

I certainly look forward to working with you.

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.

Together, let us continue to perform our duties to the best of our ability.

Let us remain steadfast in safeguarding our country so that we can fulfill our sworn duty of providing a peaceful and secure life for every Filipino.

Thank you very much. Maraming salamat at mabuhay tayong lahat. Magandang hapon sa inyo. [applause]

 

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