Ex-PSC commander transferred — Palace

Malacañang on Wednesday revealed that Maj. Gen. Jesus Nelson Morales, former commander of the Presidential Security Command, will be transferred to another government office.

To recall, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. terminated Morales’ appointment as PSC chief effective Tuesday.

“His command was terminated because he was being transferred to another duty. That’s all we can say about that at the PSC,” Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro said in a press briefing.

However, Castro did not provide details on Morales’ new government position.

Morales, who served as PSC head in 2023, was replaced by Brig. Gen. Peter Burgonio, who will serve as acting commander.

The PSC, formerly known as the Presidential Security Group, is a unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines responsible for providing protection for the president, vice president, their immediate families, and for performing honor guard duties for visiting dignitaries.

When asked if Morales’ termination was related to concerns about Chinese spies targeting the presidential palace, Castro said the only reason given was his transfer.

“Nothing was mentioned to us about that. It just came out that his command will be considered terminated because there is already a replacement as PSC Commander,” Castro said.

Malacañang has increased its security measures following the arrest of alleged Chinese spies involved in surveillance activities targeting the presidential palace, the military and the police.