Marcos: Failure of PSG will have ‘dire’ effect on Philippines

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. on Monday highlighted the importance of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), saying that failing in its mission of protecting the First Family would have a "dire" effect on the country.

Marcos graced the PSG's change of command ceremony at the Palace, during which Colonel Ramon Zagala formally assumed the post of commander, replacing Brigadier General Randolph Cabangbang.

"The mission of the Presidential Security Group goes beyond the stated mission of protecting the First Family and foreign dignitaries to come to visit to us. What you are guarding is not only the personages of the First Family but you are guarding and keeping safe an institution, the institution of the presidency," Marcos said in his speech.

"Because should you fail in your mission, that institution will collapse and the effects on our country will be dire. That is why we only pick the best men and women that we have within our military to join the Presidential Security Group," he added.

Marcos expressed gratitude to Zagala for "stepping up to the challenge of being the next leader of the PSG."

"I trust that under your leadership, the PSG will be able to continue the excellent provision of security to the Office of President, the First Family, as well as visiting heads of state and diplomats," he said.

Zagala, for his part, said protecting the First Family would also mean protecting the country.

"I would like to emphasize the protecting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and his kin is not just simply protecting the Chief Executive and his loved ones, it is to secure the stability of our country," he said in his speech.

"It is to guarantee that the trust of the majority of our countrymen in his presidency will not be in vain," Zagala added.

The former Armed Forces spokesman said he would focus on training, personnel welfare, and stakeholder engagement. He encouraged all PSG personnel to be professional and loyal to the nation.

"I expect each and everyone of you to remain professional and loyal to the Constitution and our country. Be competent on the job at hand, be kind and compassionate, be humble. But also be firm and steadfast when needed," he said.

Zagala, who has also been designated Marcos's senior military assistant, was a member of the AFP Special Forces and Airborne prior to his stint as military spokesman.

Zagala also served as the commanding officer of the 28th Infantry “Kamagong” Battalion; assistant chief of staff for civil military operations of the 10th Infantry Division all in Davao region; chief of public information office of NCR command; and assistant chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office.

The military official 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.

Zagala graduated AB Political Science at the De La Salle University in 1990. — BM, GMA News