Manila: Col. Ramon Zagala knew when he started his new job in late June that he, like the other 1,000 elite security guards guarding the country's most powerful person, might have to give his life every day.

On June 30, Col. Zegala was appointed as the Presidential Security Group's commander and senior military assistant by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who had just succeeded Rodrigo Duterte as head of state until 2028.

Zagala, a former military spokesperson and member of the special forces, was a former aide-de-camp to President Joseph Estrada, an actor-turned-politician who was overthrown in 2001, only three years after taking office. Marcos remembered Zagala from that time.

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He claimed that the reason he liked me so much was the way I stood up for President Estrada. that President Estrada never saw me leave. That I did everything I could to defend President Estrada," Zagala claimed in a recent interview with Arab News.

He claimed to have observed how, while everyone else turned on President Estrada, I did not.

He claimed to have seen that. And he is aware that I will stand by him and protect him as well.

However, the appointment 20 years later was unexpected.

Zagala said, "I wasn't expecting it. "It is an honour to return and carry on a mission I started 21 years ago... In the past 21 years, I have gained a great deal of knowledge and experience, and I'm prepared to take on this mission once more.

Zagala is the son of retired Maj. Gen. Rafael Zagala, who served as the army chief from 1972 to 1975 under Ferdinand Marcos Sr., who presided over the nation for 30 years before being overthrown in a popular uprising in 1986.

The primary organisation in charge of ensuring close protection for the president and the first family wherever they go, both at home and abroad, is the joint service unit that Zagala is currently in charge of. It was founded in 1897 as a unite to defend Emilio Aguinaldo, the first president of the Philippines, from assassination attempts.

We have about 1,000 people working here," he said. "This unit is special. The only component of the Philippine Armed Forces in charge of organisations other than the AFP is this one.

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Over 1,800 members of the security forces make up the PSG, including attached personnel from other forces like the Coast Guard and Philippine National Police.

They are top of the line.

"The PSG is an elite unit, primarily due to the fact that its primary duty is to safeguard the president. Therefore, we always select the best," Zagala said.

When it is necessary for me to make the ultimate sacrifice, then let it be so, says a stanza in the PSG's oath. So, can you imagine the level of dedication required of you to achieve that... (to) sacrifice your life to keep the president safe... High-level engagement, indeed.

PSG officers are always on guard. They are all aware of their mission and adhere to its directives.

There will never be a time when we abandon the president. There is always a protective cloak. There is no time for those in charge to let their guard down, according to Zagala. "Sitting down is probably the most soothing thing we can do."

Given that the president is a member of the military and underwent rigorous military training as a young man, the task is made marginally easier. He is aware of and empathises with the duties performed by his security team.

He sees himself as a soldier, Zagala remarked. "We discuss training, soldier hardships, how to endure training, and humorous training incidents."

His popularity presents the biggest challenge to keeping him safe.

With nearly 60 percent of the vote, Marcos, 64, won the presidential election in May with a resounding victory. He did so by promising the 110 million Filipinos—many of whom were weary of years of political polarisation and pandemic hardship—unity, prosperity, and happiness.

During the presidential campaign and even now that he has taken office, his public appearances continue to draw sizable crowds.

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People are drawn to the president because he is so well liked. Being a part of PSG can occasionally be challenging because you never know when people will swarm (what could happen). However, we are aware that the public adores the president. And he expects to see people wherever he goes," the PSG commander said.

"He's well-liked; people approach him. Of course, we just want to protect him now because of COVID, illnesses, and everything else.