MANILA -- President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed his gratitude for the unwavering service of outgoing Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Brig. Gen. Demy Zagala to the First Family and the Filipino people as he welcomed his successor, Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales.

“Under your able leadership, you have kept me, the First Family, visiting former dignitaries and foreign presidents, as well as the general public within the vicinity of Malacañang, safe and away from any serious threats to human or national security,” President Marcos said in his speech during the ceremonial change of command at the PSG Grandstand on Wednesday.

Morales, a general of the Philippine Air Force, will be taking over as Commander of the PSG, taking the place of Zagala who will assume his new role as Commander of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

President Marcos recognized Zagala’s contributions in making the PSG as one of the best protectors of the land, for successfully providing security to nearly 500 presidential events both in the Philippines and abroad, for the conduct of training programs to 545 PSG personnel, among others.

The President also cited Zagala’s efforts under the Multi-year Material Capability Development Plan for 2022 to 2028, and other ongoing improvements in the PSG Headquarters.

“With that being said, I wish you well and all the best in your new assignment as the Commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service. You may be — we can safely say that you have left the Presidential Security Group a more capable, more efficient, and a better unit than when you found it,” President Marcos said.

“Your experience as PSG Commander will undoubtedly come in handy for all that you will do in the future. For all the duties and all the commands that you will hold, I am very certain that your experience here with us, at the Presidential Security Group, will serve you well,” he added.

In the same ceremony, President Marcos welcomed Morales as the new PSG chief as he expressed his gratitude for accepting the responsibility in ensuring the welfare and protection not only of the First Family, but also of the general public.

President Marcos said he is confident of the leadership of Morales. “I am confident—with your training, your experience, and overall competence—the PSG will continue to fulfill its role of protecting this institution. I certainly look forward to working with you.”

Before concluding his speech, President Marcos thanked all the valiant officers and troops of the PSG as he called on their support for the leadership of Morales, in the same way that they supported Zagala’s leadership.

“Together, let us continue to perform our duties to the best of our abilities,” Marcos said.

The President urged everyone to remain steadfast in safeguarding the Philippines and to ensure the safety and welfare of the Filipino people. (PND)