PSG member faints at anniversary rites in Malacañang grounds

MANILA, Philippines—A member of the Presidential Security Group fainted Thursday as he stood in formation with other troops during the 26th anniversary celebration of the unit tasked with securing the President and his family.

PSG members rushed to their colleague’s side seconds after he fell flat on his face in front of the PSG grandstand in Malacañang Park in Manila.

He fainted as PSG commander Colonel Ramon Mateo Dizon was delivering a speech.

President Aquino, the guest of honor at the event, was in the audience when the incident happened.

The PSG member was taken to the PSG hospital, located near the grandstand.

In his speech, Aquino thanked the PSG whom he regarded as “key” to his being able to perform his job as leader of the nation.

The President said his office had taken measures to ensure the PSG would be able to perform its job well, such as providing them with more vehicles and firearms.

Aquino also thanked Maynilad Water Services Inc.  for re-piping the water system on the PSG grounds as well as the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. and Smart Communications for installing fiber optic lines needed for the PSG’s communication system.