Duterte picks new PSG chief

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte has chosen an Army colonel to head his close-in security detail.

Col. Jesus Durante III, a member of the Philippine Military Academy Class of 1992, replaced Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra as commander of the Presidential Security Group (PSG).

Durante has been with the PSG since Duterte assumed office in June 2016.

He is the fourth PSG chief under Duterte.

A member of the Philippine Army’s Scout Ranger, Durante is highly trained on anti-guerrilla warfare, raids and ambuscades.

Niembra will head the Army’s 701st Brigade in Mati City, Davao Oriental, according to Armed Forces chief Gen. Felimon Santos Jr.