Ex-PSG commander Niembra is new ISAFP chief: Palace

FILE: President Rodrigo Roa Duterte is accompanied by outgoing Presidential Security Group (PSG) Commander Brigadier General Jose Niembra upon his arrival at the PSG Compound in Malacañang Park, Manila for the PSG Change of Command ceremony on February 25, 2020. ROBINSON NIÑAL JR./PRESIDENTIAL PHOTO

MANILA – President Rodrigo Duterte has picked former Presidential Security Group commander Brig. Gen. Jose Eriel Niembra as the new head of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), Malacañang announced on Saturday.

In a press statement, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque expressed hope that Niembra would be able to fulfill his mandate as the new ISAFP chief.

“We wish (Brig.) Gen. Niembra all the best in his new assignment,” Roque said.

Niembra replaces Brig. Gen. Oliver Artuz, who retired from the service on Friday.

A member of the Philippine Military Academy “Sambisig” Class of 1991, Niembra served as PSG commander from May 2018 to February 2020.

He was also the PSG’s deputy group commander before being appointed as PSG chief.

Under Niembra’s leadership, the PSG provided security to Duterte during the 2019 elections, the 3rd and 4th State of the Nation Addresses, the 30th Southeast Asian Games, and the first Presidential Silent Drill Competition.

During his stint, the PSG also protected Duterte during the President’s 19 foreign and 1,250 local engagements.

Niembra also served as deputy commander of the Task Force Davao from 2009 to 2012.

During the PSG change-of-command ceremony in February, Duterte praised Niembra for displaying a “steady and unwavering leadership.”

“Your efficacy and effectivity in the discharge of your duties have certainly inspired the entire PSG to strive for excellence, whatever their positions maybe,” the President told Niembra.