Presidential Security Group chief Colonel Ramon Zagala moved up to the rank of Brigadier General with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. leading the donning of the rank rites in Malacañang.
In a video recently uploaded by RTVM, Marcos was seen pinning the star to Zagala — who is now a one-star general — along with the latter’s wife, Nenita Zagala.
The PSG lauded the seasoned military officer for his “well-deserved promotion” and recognized the “various awards and commendations for his sterling service record in both administrative and combat duties.”
Zagala served as spokesperson of the Armed Forces of the Philippines prior to his appointment to the PSG.
He graduated with a degree in political science at the De La Salle University in Manila in 1990 and was commissioned to the regular force in 1994.
Prior to entering the AFP, Zagala was the Corps Commander of the DLSU Naval Reserve Officers’ Training Corps unit from 1989 to 1990.
He completed various career and specialization courses in the country and abroad, including the Special Forces Operation Course, Basic Airborne Course, Scout Ranger Orientation Course, Armor Officer Basic Course, Basic Practical Pistol Course, and VIP Protection Course, among others.
Zagala is a recipient of a number of awards and decorations both in administrative and combat duties, including the Distinguished Service Star, a Gold Cross Medal for gallantry in combat, and the Gawad sa Kaunlaran Medal.
He also received two Bronze Cross Medals, 19 Military Merit Medals, the AFP Senior Parachutist Badge, an Army Aviator’s Badge, a US public affairs badge, the Presidential Medal of Merit, and other distinguished awards and commendations.