AFP chief presides PSG turnover, rallies protection of president, VP
ARMED Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya on Saturday called on the Presidential Security Group (PSG) to remain steadfast on their sworn duties to secure and protect President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the First Family and Vice President Leni Robredo and her Family.
Visaya presided over the Changing of Guards of the PSG from Rear Admiral Raul Ubando to Col. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista, both members of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Sandiwa Class ’85.
“I urge all of you to support your new Commander. Extend your cooperation and exhibit your best performances you are known for. Ensure the safety of our key policymakers and decision makers,” Visaya said.
He added “they toil so much to arrive at crucial decisions to steer our country forward and build the nation. They as much deserve to be protected and secured to freely do their respective jobs. We owe it to them and to the people to guarantee their se- curity and protection from threat and harm.”
Visaya said that with the brand of service the new PSG Commander is known for, he is confident that Bautista will be able to deliver his mandate.
As the new AFP chief of staff congratulated Ubando, who will assume a new post as Inspector General of the Philippine Navy and boost Colonel Bautista, he said “the Philippines had the privilege to accom- modate many important events in the course of the past two years. The AsiaPacific Economic Cooperation 2015, for instance, was a shining moment for the PSG.”
“The defense unit endured and won against threats to the safety of 20 high-level foreign leaders and around 10,000 other members of the delegation. From their cordial welcome to their safe send-off, we credit the success of the two-day international conference to the competence, commitment and professionalism exhibited by every member of the PSG.”
“We trust Colonel Bautista to ably do the share as he will lead this PSG, not only in thwarting all categories of threats, but equally so by continuing the legacy of protecting key figures that our people trust to lead this country and bring this nation to live in an atmosphere of peace, stability and development,” Visaya said.
The turnover ceremonies was held at the Command’s Headquarters in Malacanang Park was also witnessed by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea , representatives from the major service commands of the AFP, immediate family of PMA Class ’85.