Army Col. Rolando Joselito D. Bautista formally assumed the post as head of the Presidential Security Group, replacing Rear Admiral Raul R. Ubando, yesterday.
And as he took command of the PSG, Bautista urged officers, men, and women to follow President Duterte’s humility in public service, and help transform the unit into a more cohesive, socially relevant, selfless, disciplined, dedicated, and incorruptible unit truly worthy of emulation.
“Our mission has been clearly defined as the lead agency tasked with providing security for the president, vice president, and their immediate families, as well as, for visiting heads of state and foreign dignitaries. It is our responsibility to secure the seat of government plus all the facilities and transportation assets used by the president in carrying out his duties,” Bautista said.
Thus, under his leadership, he said, the PSG shall rise up to the challenge of securing the president according to established and tested security protocols, with emphasis on a highly professional, proactive, and persevering and dedicated discharges of duty by all members of the unit.
Bautista added that the PSG’s guiding principle under the Duterte administration shall be governed by Section 1 of Article 11 of the 1987 Constitution that says: “Public office is a public trust. Public officers and employees must at all times be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency; act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives.”
He said that a fitting example has been set by Duterte through his simple inauguration last June 30.
“Our commander-in-chief’s distinct brand of genuine humility in public service for our country’s 120 million Filipinos as manifested from the days leading to his actual assumption of the presidency should be part and parcel of the conduct of the people at this command,” he stated.
In instances when they are given a directive by the office of the President, he said the PSG may assist the police and other law enforcement agencies in their anti-organized crime undertakings, which is a hallmark of the Duterte administration’s agenda.
Meanwhile, Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Lt.