MANILA – President Rodrigo R. Duterte on Wednesday thanked the Presidential Security Group (PSG) for serving the nation by “courageously” standing behind him.
“Throughout this country ordeal, the Presidential Security Group has courageously stood behind me to secure the interest of our country,” Duterte said in his speech during the PSG Change of Command at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park.
“I stand confident before you today as I perform my duties as your Commander-in-Chief, assured that the PSG shall be loyal not only to one person or family, but only to the Constitution and our most cherished democratic institutions,” he added.
Duterte commended outgoing PSG Commander Brig. Gen. Lope Dagoy for his “successful tour of duty”.
Under Dagoy’s able leadership, the PSG has effectively provided security to 16 foreign and more than 900 local Presidential engagements particularly last year when the Philippines hosted the 30th and 31st ASEAN Summits.
“General Dagoy, I wish you the best as you assume your new Command. I am certain that the PSG that you will hand over is a workforce that is more motivated and dependable,” Duterte said.
Duterte is hoping that the wielding and forging of the PSG’s growth towards global competency will continue under the leadership of new PSG Commander Col. Jose Eriel Niembra.
“With your credentials and background as the former Deputy Group Commander of the PSG, I trust that you will move forward in the right direction as you create your own mark in this command,” Duterte said.
During his speech, Duterte defended his decision to appoint more ex-military men to different government officials.
“To the credit of military men, I said, no offense intended. The military is structural and they are always conscious of accomplishments, fulfillment of duty. Not because of any particular loyalty, they work extra hard,” he said.
Duterte said the practice of appointing former military men did not come from him as it was also done during the time of former presidents Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Benigno Aquino III. (Jelly Musico/PNA)
