PSG commander, 2 others get first stars

MANILA, Philippines - Three senior military officers, including the commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG), got their first stars from President Aquino who approved their promotions to the next higher rank, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) announced yesterday.

Promoted to brigadier general were PSG Commander Col. Ramon Mateo Dizon and Col. Danilo Servando, both of the Philippine Army (PA). Capt. Manuel Natalio Abinuman of the Philippine Navy (PN) has been promoted to commodore, the navy equivalent of brigadier general in the Army.

Dizon, of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1983, commands the PSG, an elite military and police unit tasked with securing the Palace and the President as well as his immediate family members.

His promotion to brigadier general took effect last April 17, AFP spokesman Col. Arnulfo Marcelo Burgos said.

Prior to his stint with the PSG, Dizon was commander of the AFP’s anti-terror unit Joint Special Operations Group based at Camp Aguinaldo.

Servando, on the other hand, is the commander of the Army’s Ordnance and Chemical Service and is also the current deputy commander of the Army’s Support Command. His promotion to brigadier general took effect last April 19.

Servando, of PMA Class of 1981, is a military logistician and a former military spokesman.

The promotion of Abinuman, commander of the Philippine Fleet’s Patrol Force, takes effect on April 29. He is a member of PMA Class of 1982.

“All these promotions were duly approved by the AFP commander-in-chief and President, Benigno Aquino III,” AFP chief Gen. Jesse Dellosa said.

“The star on your shoulders comes with greater challenges and rising expectations in the performance of your duties and responsibilities in the military organization. This promotion will give you an opportunity to inspire the Filipino people more, following the fundamental standards of honor, nationalism, patriotism and selfless service to our country,” Dellosa said.