By Alec Go
President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. recognized the “many valiant efforts” of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) as he led the change of command ceremony for outgoing PSG Commander BGen. Randolph Cabangbang on Monday, July 4.
In his speech, Marcos said the functions of the PSG not only protects the First Family and foreign dignitaries, but also guards and keeps safe the “institution of presidency.”
“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 PSG,” he said.
Marcos also thanked PSG staff for “for the many valiant efforts in their performance of their duties,” saying that they have “shown undaunted courage and unbridled patriotism by choosing to be of service to our beloved country.”
“With integrity and valor, let us remain united in safeguarding our institutions as it strives to bring about a more secure, peaceful, and dignified life for the Filipino people,” he continued.
Cabangbang, whom Marcos congratulated for his “successful tour of duty” and lauded for working to complete the PSG Station Hospital and the Women’s Auxiliary Corps Barracks, will be succeeded by Col. Ramon Zagala.
He served in the Philippine Army and assumed post as PSG commander on August 20 last year, replacing BGen. Jesus Durante III.
Meanwhile, new PSG Commander Zagala, who was former President Joseph Estrada’s aide-de-camp, said returning to Malacañang “is a privilege too big to be taken lightly.”
“I now have the chance to complete the mission and to come full circle from where I started as a lieutenant in these hallowed grounds,” he said, adding that protecting the First Family is also “to secure the stability” of the country.
Zagala, 53, was also picked by Marcos to be his senior military assistant. He recently served as the spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and previously held command positions in the 24th Infantry Battalion, 7th Infantry Division, among others.
He graduated from De La Salle University with a Political Science degree in 1990 where he also served as the Corps Commander of the DLSU Naval ROTC. He was commissioned to the regular force on August 9, 1994. – gb
