CHANGE OF COMMAND. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. leads the Presidential Security Group (PSG) Change of Command Ceremony at the PSG Grandstand in Malacañang Park, Manila on Wednesday (Oct. 18, 2023). During the ceremony, Marcos presented the Distinguished Service Star to outgoing PSG commander Brig. Gen. Ramon Zagala for the latter’s "valuable and exceptional" service. (Screenshot from Radio Television Malacañang)
MANILA – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday called on newly installed Presidential Security Group (PSG) Brig. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales to help him in protecting the Philippines under his watch.
Marcos made the call, as he vouched for Morales’ competence to lead the PSG.
“As the PSG embarks on a new chapter, let me join you in welcoming our new commander, Brigadier General Jesus Nelson Morales. Thank you for stepping up and taking on this assignment as the next head of PSG,” he said during the PSG change of command rites at the PSG Grandstand in Malacañang Park, Manila.
“I am confident with your training, your experience and overall competence, the PSG will continue to fulfill its role in protecting this institution. I certainly look forward to working with you,” Marcos added.
Marcos also urged the PSG personnel to give their full support to Morales.
“Together, let us continue to perform our duties to the best of our ability. Let us remain steadfast in safeguarding our country so that we can fulfill our sworn duty of providing a peaceful and secure life for every Filipino,” he said.
The change of command ceremony was held a day after Malacañang announced the appointment of Morales as the new PSG head.
Morales is a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1993.
He joined the Philippine Air Force (PAF) and took the Undergraduate Pilot Training Course at the PAF Flying School in Lipa City, Batangas where he earned his Military Pilot Wings in 1995.
Morales was assigned to conduct flight missions during the “all-out war” in Mindanao from 1998 to 1999, leading a flight of Huey helicopters in the areas of Zamboanga, Cotabato, Lanao del Norte and Marawi against the Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels and Abu Sayyaf terrorists.
He later joined the 250th Presidential Airlift Wing as a helicopter pilot of former presidents Joseph Estrada and Gloria Macapagal Arroyo.
He became an instructor pilot, test pilot and flight commander of various platforms such as the Bell 412, S70 Blackhawk, S76 Sikorsky, Sokol, Bell 205 and Huey helicopters. He obtained the highest pilot qualification as a flight examiner.
He also became the commander of the 505th Search and Rescue Group and squadron commander of the Supply Support Squadron of 250th Presidential Airlift Wing.
Morales also worked as PAF Director for Plans and Programs in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Logistics, OA4 from 2008 to 2012 and became the chief of the said office and as the primary adviser of the PAF Commanding General in 2017.
He was later transferred to the Tactical Operations Command based in Zamboanga City as its chief of staff, supporting the Western Mindanao Command units in Zamboanga, Basilan and Jolo until 2020.
He later assumed more critical positions as the chief of staff of the Air Combat Command and the deputy wing commander of Tactical Operations Wing, Eastern Mindanao.
In 2021, Morales was designated as the deputy wing commander of 410th Maintenance Wing under the Air Logistics Command in Clark Air Base.
New assignment
Morales replaced Brig. Gen. Ramon Zagala who will assume a new role as commander of the Civil Relations Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
During the ceremony, Marcos presented the Distinguished Service Star to Zagala and thanked the latter for his achievements during his stint at the PSG.
“Under your able leadership, you have kept me, the first family, visiting former dignitaries and foreign presidents, as well as the general public within the vicinity of Malacañang safe and away from any serious threats to human or national security,” Marcos told Zagala.
“You have also maintained and guarded the PSG's distinction as one of the best protectors of the land worthy to preserve the presidency as a stern and reliable institution with the unified efforts of the office of the president and the PSG,” he added.
Marcos lauded Zagala for providing security to nearly 500 domestic and international presidential engagements, as well as for facilitating the conduct of training programs on VIP protection which benefitted the 545 PSG personnel.
He also recognized Zagala’s efforts to acquire advanced and modern equipment for the presidential security aides and renovate the PSG headquarters.
“With that being said, I wish you well and all the best in your new assignment as the commander of the AFP Civil Relations Service. We can safely say that you have left the Presidential Security Group a more capable more efficient and a better unit than you found,” Marcos said.
“Your experience as PSG commander will undoubtedly come in handy for all that you will do in the future. For all the duties and all the commands that you will hold, I am very certain that your experience here with us at the Presidential Security Group will serve you well.” (PNA)
