Zagala to be designated acting PSG commander, AFP says

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Colonel Ramon Zagala will be designated as acting commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), the AFP said on Sunday.

Zagala will also be designated as acting senior military assistant of President-elect Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr., it added.

Colonel Jorry Baclor, chief of AFP public affairs office (PAO), confirmed the news to GMA News Online on Sunday, June 26.

"It was just confirmed by Col. Zagala himself, but both designations in acting capacity pa daw," Baclor said.

Zagala will replace outgoing PSG commander Brigadier General Randolph Cabangbang.

Appointment papers issuance 

While Zagala has confirmed the designation, Baclor said the appointment papers have yet to reach the AFP.

Balor said he believes the appointment will be effective June 30.

He noted that the AFP has also yet to announce Zagala’s replacement as the military’s spokesperson.

As acting PSG commander, Zagala will be tasked to ensure the safety and security of Marcos.

Zagala's bio

Zagala was commissioned to the Regular Force on August 9, 1994.

Prior to being the AFP’s spokesman, Zagala was a member of the AFP Special Forces and Airborne.

He also served as the commanding officer of the 28th Infantry “Kamagong” Batallion, assistant chief of staff for civil military operations of the 10th Infantry Division all in Davao region, and chief of public information office (PAO) of NCR command, and assistant chief of the AFP PAO.

Zagala completed the Public Officer Qualifying Course at Fort Meade, Maryland, USA. He also earned his master’s degree in Military and Defense Studies in Australian National University.

Further, he graduated AB Political Science at the De La Salle University in 1990.

VPSPG

On Friday, a new unit dedicated to providing protection to the vice president was activated by the AFP.

The Vice Presidential Security and Protection Group (VPSPG) will also ensure the safety and security of the vice president's family, the AFP said in a press release.

AFP chief of staff General Andres Centino installed Lieutenant Colonel Rene Giroy of the Philippine Army as the first VPSPG group commander. —LBG/KG, GMA News