President Rodrigo Duterte on Wednesday, May 30, led the change of command of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), as he expressed confidence that the new PSG leadership will continue its thrust towards beefing up the PSG’s global competency.
“The wielding and forging of the PSG’s growth towards global competency continues under the leadership of Colonel Niembra,” President Duterte said in his speech at the Change of Command Ceremony held at the PSG Grandstand in Malacañang Park.
Col. Jose Eriel Niembra replaced outgoing PSG Commander Bgen. Lope Dagoy, who will be the head of the 802nd Brigade Command in Leyte.
The President congratulated Dagoy for his successful tour of duty as PSG commander.
“Under his able leadership, the PSG has effectively provided security to 16 foreign and more than 900 local Presidential engagements. These include arrangements in Marawi, from the start of the conflict until the full liberation of the city, as well as the 30th and 31st ASEAN Summits included held in April and November last year,” Duterte said.
During his stint, General Dagoy also conducted multiple classes and produced more than 200 graduates under the VIP Protection Course.
“General Dagoy, I wish you the best as you assume your new Command. Rest easy as you have initiated positive changes in the organization and inspired every personnel with your hard work and dedication. I am certain that the PSG that you will hand over is a workforce that is more motivated and dependable,” Duterte said.
The President then expressed confidence on the leadership of Col. Niembra as the new PSG chief, commending him for his “love of country.”
“Colonel Niembra, we will constantly face threats and challenges as we trudge the noble path of realizing lasting peace and sustainable development. 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,” he said.
Col. Niembra, a highly decorated military officer, is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Sambisig” Class of 1991.
He served as Deputy Group Commander of the Presidential Security Group since 2016, prior to assuming the post as PSG chief.
The new PSG commander had also previously served as the deputy commander of the Task Force Davao from 2009 to 2012.
In the same speech, the Commander-in-Chief lauded the accomplishments of the PSG.
“These accomplishments, however, have not come without cost. In the process, lives have been lost and enemies have been made but throughout this country ordeal, the Presidential Security Group has courageously stood behind me to secure the interest of our country,” Duterte said.
“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 said. ### (PND)
