Presidential security command chief replaced

The Armed Forces of the Philippines has terminated the designation of Major General Jesus Nelson Morales as commander of the Presidential Security Command.

A military document showed that Brigadier General Peter Burgonio was designated as the acting commander of the unit tasked to secure President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. and his family.

Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro confirmed the development and the document.

The order indicated that Morales' designation was terminated on March 4.

Burgonio was named acting PSC commander on top of his other duties on the same date.

GMA News Online is trying to get comments from Morales and the AFP regarding the development.

In a series of text messages, Commission on Elections chairman George Garcia indicated that the movement of officers at the helm of the PSC would need an exemption from the Comelec ban on personnel transfers.

He said he would check if an exemption had been applied for.

Morales, an Air Force general, was appointed head of the Presidential Security Group in October 2023.

Morales replaced Brigadier General Ramon Zagala, who was to command the AFP Civil Relations Service.

The PSG is a combined elite unit tasked to provide security and escort to the President of the Philippines, the President's immediate family, former presidents of the Philippines as well as visiting heads of state.

"I am confident with your training, your experience, and overall competence that the PSG will continue to fulfill its role of protecting this institution. I certainly look forward to working with you," Marcos told Morales during the turnover rites. –NB, GMA Integrated News