Malacañang Park, Manila — Col. Randolph Gonzalez Cabangbang, MNSA (INF) of the Philippine Army (PA) assumed his post as the Presidential Security Group Commander on Friday (Aug. 20).
Prior to this assignment, he was chief of staff of the Army’s 2nd Infantry Division (2ID) in Tanay, Rizal. Cabangbang also served as chief of staff of the PSG before his stint with the 2ID.
Cabangbang’s leadership has been tested and honed for three decades now. His professionalism, competence, and credibility were displayed as he was entrusted with various positions of major responsibility in the military.
Previous assignments
His early years in the service were spent in the field occupying various significant and critical positions as an infantry man while being exposed to civil military operations (CMO), which further became his expertise.
He handled several CMO positions in different assignments and capacities such as chief, Public Affairs Office of the Philippine Army in 2013; spokesman and assistant chief of staff for CMO, G7; commanding officer, 80th Infantry (Steadfast) Battalion of 2nd Infantry (Jungle Fighter) Division, PA in 2015 to 2017; and deputy commander, Task Force Davao, 10th Infantry Division, PA.
He also held various special duties and designations from different Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) units, most notable of which was his stint as commander of 2ID COVID-19 Task Group “Capinpin” last April.
Education and training
He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from the Philippine Military Academy in Baguio City in 1991. He also graduated number one in his Officer Candidate Course at Officer Candidate School, Armed Forces of the Philippines Training Command in 1992.
A true military professional and public servant, Col. Cabangbang is a highly-trained and well-schooled officer both here and abroad. He took up various career and specialization courses such as the Basic Officer Infantry Course and Advance Officer Infantry Course at Training and Command, PA; Psychological Operations Officer Course, Instructor Training Course and Civil Affairs Qualification at U.S. Army John F. Kennedy Special Warfare Center School at Fort Bragg, North Carolina in 2006; Australian Military Familiarization Course and Australian Defence Colonel Preparation Course at Defence International Training Center, Laverton, Australia in 2013; and Australian Command and Staff Course at Australian Defense College in 2014, among many others.
Col. Cabangbang’s insatiable passion for learning was proven by the different courses and training he has undertaken outside the military. He is a graduate of Fundamentals of Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution Skills at Mindanao Peacebuilding Institute in 2011 and of Master of Military and Defence Studies at Australian National University in 2014.
Awards
He is a recipient of numerous awards for his exemplary service to the AFP which include the Outstanding Achievement Medal, Distinguished Service Star, Gold Cross Medal, Military Achievement Medal, Gawad Sa Kaunlaran, Bronze Cross Medal, Silver Wing Medal, Wounded Personnel Medal, and countless Military Merit and Commendation Medals, including the U.S. Army Commendation Medal.
He has also received numerous service medals, ribbons, and badges signifying his various skill sets in different fields of expertise.
Personal life
‘Adot,’ as he is fondly called, hails from Los Baños, Laguna. He is happily married to a beautiful proud Davaoeña – Mrs. Sisa Sim Cabangbang of Panabo, Davao del Norte. They are blessed with four daughters and two sons with whom they share their dreams and aspirations: Amalia Lim, Ranee Anne, Rhyme Marie, R-Man Rey, Raissa Mae, and Arthur Louis. (PSG) – jlo
