PSG will ‘rise to the challenge’ of securing Duterte

MANILA, Philippines – The Presidential Security Group (PSG) has a new commander: Colonel Rolando Joselito D. Bautista.

During the turnover of command held at the PSG Grandstand in Malacañang Park Saturday, July 2, Bautista said that the PSG under his leadership will “rise up to the challenge of securing the President according to established and tested security protocols with emphasis on a highly professional, proactive persevering and dedicated discharge of duty by all members of the PSG.”

The PSG change of command ceremony was led by Armed Forces Chief of Staff Lt. General Ricardo Visaya and saw Bautista receiving the command flag from outgoing commander Rear Admiral Raul Ubando.

In his speech, Bautista said the PSG makes history as it “fulfills its mandate to secure the most popularly elected 16th President of the Republic of the Philippines” whom he described as “a man of a humble origin who detests any form of security even while discharging his immediate past duty as the longest sitting mayor of Davao City, a former vice mayor, and a former congressman.”

Bautista also said that besides protecting Duterte, the PSG – once ordered by him – may assist the police and other law enforcement agencies in their anti-organized crime efforts. This is very much part of Duterte’s anti-crime and anti-drug agenda.

Bautista asked his fellow PSG officers and men for their whole-hearted cooperation and support in attaining a “harmonious interpersonal relationship built on the guiding principles of the PSG – integrity, service and excellence.”

He thanked Duterte for allowing him to lead the PSG that will be primarily responsible for shielding him from danger.

Bautista was the Commander of the Joint Task Group in Basilan, and had previously said he would stick to tried and tested methods of ensuring the safety of Duterte but will be open to “innovations” that may be required for a president like him.

A 1985 graduate of the Philippine Military Academy, Bautista served as commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion covering Davao City and Davao del Norte from 2005 to 2007. Prior to his Basilan stint, Bautista was commander of Task Force General Santos in General Santos City.

Bautista, who hails from Pangasinan, took up a VIP Protective Detail Course conducted by the US embassy in Manila.

Acknowledging the example set by Duterte who preferred a simple presidential inauguration, Bautista said the President’s “distinct brand of genuine humility in public service” should also be “part and parcel of the conduct of his people at his command.” – with reports from Carmela Fonbuena/Rappler.com