Speech

Speech of President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos Jr. during the Presidential Security Group (PSG) Change of Command

Event During the Presidential Security Group (PSG) Change of Command
Location PSG Grandstand in Malacañang Park, City of Manila

[Troop commander, will you please give our troops the order of tikas pahinga? Thank you.]

I thank the Executive Secretary Victor Rodriguez; Senator Robin Padilla; Senator JV Ejercito; AFP Chief of Staff General Andres Centino; the outgoing Group Commander Brigadier General Randolph Cabangbang and his lovely wife Mrs. Sisa Cabangbang; the 250th Philippine Airlift Wing Commander Brigadier General [Pablo] Rustria Jr.; former PSG Group Commander and 1001st Brigade Commander, Brigadier General Jesus Durante III and his wife Mrs. Helen Durante; incoming Group Commander Colonel Ramon Zagala; the officers, enlisted men and women; civilian employees of the Presidential Security Group; other distinguished guests; ladies and gentlemen

I stand proud before you today, before one of our country’s most dedicated and reliable men and women in uniform. I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Brigadier General Cabangbang for his extremely successful tour of duty as the outgoing PSG commander.

Under his steady and unwavering leadership, the PSG was able to provide security for the First Family. I also laud Brigadier General Cabangbang for taking steps towards ensuring the completion of several key PSG facilities including the PSG Station Hospital and the Women’s Auxiliary Corps barracks. The completion of these key infrastructures will certainly help strengthen the PSG. It will also inspire the entire PSG to strive for excellence whatever their position may be.

To the incoming PSG Commander, Colonel Ramon Zagala, you have my thanks 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 the President and the First Family as well as visiting heads of state and diplomats.

The mission of the Presidential Security Group goes beyond the stated mission of protecting the First Family and foreign dignitaries who come to visit with 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.

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

I look forward to working with you in the coming months. Lastly, let me take this opportunity to express my gratitude to every PSG trooper for the many valiant efforts in the performance of their duties.

Each and every one of you has 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 Filipino people.

Maraming salamat at mabuhay kayong lahat! [applause]

— END —