MANILA, Philippines — The new chief of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) yesterday asked his troops to ignore the critics of President Duterte and to “leave no room for mistakes” as they confront forces that seek to harm the Chief Executive. ?
In his assumption speech, PSG commander Col. Jesus Durante III said his unit is in for a lot of challenges during Duterte’s remaining days in office, citing security threats from armed groups as well as efforts to attack the President online.?
“These are peculiar times, marked by international issues and tough presidential pronouncements.
No President has ever dared to boldly and openly stand for the love of his country. His hard stance against illegal drugs, criminality and corruption has spared no one.
The war on terrorism against communist terrorist groups and extremist Islamic groups... has been relentless and all-out,” Durante said. ?
“Aside from these security threats, (it should also be noted) that members of the President’s family, including the President himself, have been attacked by the opposition, the oligarchs and their associates taking advantage of the cyber age which facilitates online communication between those who want to do harm to our President,” he added. ?
Durante said Duterte’s charisma and appeal to the masses compound the risks involved in securing the President.?
“Therefore, all PSG troopers under my watch must follow this dictum, ‘leave no room for mistakes.’
Always bear in mind that the security gadgetry we possess will only be as effective as the people (who) use them,” the PSG chief said. ?
“Leave the critics behind. It is not the critic that counts,” he added. ?
Durante, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy class of 1992, succeeded Brig. Gen. Jose Niembra, who had been named commander of the Army’s 701st Infantry Brigade.
He was commanding officer of the presidential escorts before being appointed PSG chief.