Army Colonel Jesus Durante is next PSG chief

MANILA, Philippines — President Rodrigo Duterte has chosen Philippine Army Col. Jesus Durante as the next Presidential Security Group (PSG) commander, Malacañang announced Monday.

Durante will be replacing Brig. Gen. Jose Niembra, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea confirmed.

Durante will formally assume his post in a change of command ceremony scheduled Tuesday at Malacañang.

Outgoing PSG Commander Niembra will take a new post as Brigade Commander of the 701st Infantry Brigade, 7th Infantry Division, Philippine Army stationed in Mati, Davao Oriental, according to a statement on PSG’s website.

“He has made significant changes in PSG from RFID access at entry points and constructing of new facilities aligned with the government’s ‘Build Build Build’ program to usage of bulletproof panel for PRRD and procurement of highly capable tactical equipment, BGEN NIEMBRA has truly upgraded PSG’s security to ensure the safety of the nation’s highest chief executive,” the post read.