MAJOR General Jesus Nelson Morales has been removed as commander of the Presidential Security Command (PSC), the unit responsible for securing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and his family.
Brigadier General Peter Burgonio has been appointed as the acting commander, effective March 4, according to a military document confirmed by Palace Press Officer Atty. Claire Castro. The order terminating Morales’ designation was also issued on March 4. Burgonio will retain his other duties in addition to his new role.
GMA News Online is seeking comment from Morales and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) regarding the change.
The move requires an exemption from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ban on personnel transfers, according to a series of text messages from Comelec Chair George Garcia, who stated he would verify if such an exemption had been sought.
Morales, an Air Force general, assumed command of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) – the predecessor to the PSC – in October 2023, replacing Brigadier General Ramon Zagala. The PSG is an elite unit responsible for the security of the President, their immediate family, former presidents, and visiting heads of state. During the turnover ceremony, President Marcos expressed confidence in Morales’ ability to lead the PSG.
