Next PSG chief ready to work with Duterte
Members of the Presidential Security Group pass-in-review during President Benigno Simeon Aquino lll attendance to the Presidential Security Group (PSG) 30th founding anniversary at PSG Grandstand, Malacanang Park, manila. in photo: the Presidents close in Security. INQUIRER FILE PHOTO/JOAN BONDOC
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Monday welcomed the designation of Colonel Rolando Bautista, head of Joint Task Group Basilan, as the next commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) of presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte.
“He will definitely make a good PSG commander,” AFP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla told reporters.
Padilla, an Air Force pilot, was a classmate of Bautista in the Philippine Military Academy “Sandiwa” Class of 1985. He also worked with the incoming PSG chief “at various capacities in the field when we were assigned in the same area commands.”
“In more than three decades of seeing him work, I can say he is undoubtedly hardworking, self-sacrificing, a dedicated and committed serviceman. A true military professional with uncompromising values,” Padilla said.
Bautista, a Scout Ranger officer, was involved in the anti-insurgency drive against the New People’s Army in the late 1980s. He will replace PSG chief Commodore Raul Ubando.
“As a young lieutenant, he was already exposed to the hardship of being an Infantry soldier and a Scout Ranger by running after the NPA in different parts of the country,” said public affairs chief Colonel Noel Detoyato.
Bautista said it was “an honor and pride to serve the incoming President.”
“Apparently, we have existing protocols and procedures on how to secure a President that we observe. These have been tested and institutionalized. But of course, there will be additions and innovations depending on the desire of the President,” he told reporters.
Davao assignments
Bautista previously served as a United Nations Military Observer in East Timor. Before he became the commander of the 104th Brigade in Basilan, he was the commander of the 73rd Infantry Battalion in Davao from 2005 to 2007. He also served in the Davao-based Army’s 10th Infantry Division from 2007 to 2010.
His most recent accomplishments were leading the operations that led to the deaths of foreign terrorists Abu Anas in Basilan last December and Moroccan Mohammad Al Khatab last April. JE/rga
RELATED STORIES
Private security team arranged for Duterte
Duterte names more members of his Cabinet
Cabinet choices Duterte’s own ‘KKK’
