Even the President’s security circle is seeing major movements, with Major General Peter B. Burgonio relieved from his post at the helm of the Presidential Security Command (PSC), barely eight months into his role.
An insider said Commodore Andro Val P. Abayon took his place effective Nov. 20.
Abayon, a Navy veteran with a deep background in intelligence, previously oversaw the Naval Special Operations Group, an elite sea-air-land force.
“He’s a good soldier. He’s tough, he will protect the presidency,” the insider said.
The move was made through a special order, meaning it bypassed the usual process and was done quickly.
It also comes as news sites speculate about a military-style reset involving the installation of tycoon Ramon S. Ang.
Ang issued a strong denial, stating as he had several times in the past: “I am not entering politics.”
An insider within military circles also said those rumors were baseless, explaining they would not resort to unconstitutional actions, given the significant risk of foreign investments pulling out or, worse, the country being penalized via sanctions.
“The AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] follows the chain of command,” the insider said, adding that the job of the PSC is to protect the president, the family, and visiting dignitaries.
Abayon is the latest in a succession of commanders moving in and out of the PSC.
Hopefully, this latest appointment brings stability at a time the government faces big challenges eradicating corruption and steadying the economy.
Miguel R. Camus has been a reporter covering various domestic business topics since 2009.
