Incoming PSG chief: Duterte ‘not a security nightmare’
Incoming PSG Commander Colonel Rolando Bautista. ARIES JOSEPH HEGINA
DAVAO CITY—Incoming Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Col. Rolando Bautista said on Tuesday that presumptive President-elect Rodrigo Duterte is not a security nightmare, adding that they will implement adjustments to suit the requests of Duterte.
In an interview with reporters, Bautista said that Duterte was a “reasonable” man and believed the incoming President would listen to him should security threats arise.
“Napansin ko sa presumptive President, (he) is very reasonable. Kapag meron kang sinabi, he will take that into consideration. Ang maganda sa ating presumptive President, he talks to everybody, kung sino yung nasa lowest ranks, hanggang sa generals. Once he talks to you, he will always listen to your suggestion or recommendation,” Bautista said.
(I noticed with the presumptive President that he is very reasonable. When you say something, he will take that into consideration. What’s good with the presumptive President is that he talks to everybody, from the lowest ranks to the generals. Once he talks to you, he will always listen to your suggestion or recommendation.)
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He said that he would implement innovations on the existing protocols institutionalized by the PSG considering that Duterte was known to go out in the wee hours to talk to the people.
“The PSG has existing procedures and protocols. There are actually institutionalized and implemented during the (terms) of the previous Presidents. Apparently, those protocols can be improved. May mga innovations tayo based sa desires ng presumptive President (We have innovations based on the desires of the presumptive President). The bottomline here is we have to secure the President,” Bautista said.
The incoming PSG commander said that they were willing to implement changes in their protocols for Duterte so long as this would not compromise his security.
He also believes that Duterte is a man “who sticks to the rules,” when asked if they will bring back the “wang-wang” system for the incoming President.
Bautista said that he was honored to be picked by Duterte to become his PSG chief.
“It’s a challenge and it’s also an opportunity… this is a moment that I can serve the highest office in the land. And nagpapasalamat ako na ako ang napili (And I’m thankful that I was chosen),” he said.
“Hindi ko masasabi na mahirap mag-secure ng isang President (I can’t say it’s hard to secure the President). We will do our very best… you give your life just to secure the President.” he added.
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Prior to being picked as the incoming PSG commander, Bautista was the commander of the Joint Task Group in Basilan. He graduated at the Philippine Military Academy in 1985.
He also served as commander of the 73rd Infantry Batallion from 2005 to 2007 and as commander of Task Force General Santos. JE/rga
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