COLONEL Lope Dagoy replaced Brigadier General Rolando Bautista as the chief for the Presidential Security Group (PSG) during a change of command ceremony at the PSG grandstand in Malacanang on Thursday, March 23.
Duterte expressed confidence that Dagoy would be able to protect him and his family, given his "outstanding credentials and considerable experience".
"The incoming PSG commander, Colonel Lope Dagoy, will have his hands full. I am confident that his outstanding credentials and considerable experience will enable him to lead the PSG effectively. I fully entrust the protection of myself and my family to him and to the entire PSG," the President said in his keynote speech he delivered at the turn over rite.
Dagoy is Duterte's senior military adviser and a graduate of the Philippine Military Academy "Hinirang" Class 1987.
The Chief Executive said that being a PSG chief is not an easy task because it is has to lead a security group tasked to protect a president and the first family from "variety of threats".
Duterte, however, remained positive that Dagoy could fulfill his job since the whole PSG organization "is in good order, with several upgrades and several improvements being implemented these past nine months".
"The procurement of additional equipment and vehicles are presently ongoing. Extensive training for PSG troopers both here and abroad have greatly enhanced their knowledge and capabilities," he said.
"I stand confident, assured knowing that the PSG will have my back as I and the rest of the government pursue the important task of bringing prosperity, order and security to our country," Duterte added.
Duterte took time to thank Bautista for effectively leading the PSG in the past nine months. Bautista, as head of the 1st Infantry Division in Zamboanga del Sur, is now mandated to suppress violence in the province.
Bautista, in his farewell speech, said it was an honor to serve Duterte. He added that the President's unrelenting support for his security forces is "every commander's dream".
For his part, Dagoy assured Bautista to give his "best shot" to secure the President.
Dagoy said that under his leadership, he would "boldy confront and address" all the threats Duterte is currently facing.
"To assume this leadership of this command is by-far the most challenging responsibility that I have had to face in my career. The primary mission assigned to me is no-easy task," Dagoy said.
"Challenging the task may seem, I would like to assure the armed forces leadership, the men and women of this command and the Filipino people that I will provide the PSG the necessary leadership, determination, will, capacity, and all that it takes to accomplish my mission," he added. (SunStar Philippines)