In the afternoon of 5 December 2016, the Presidential Security Group (PSG) rendered Testimonial Review for COUNSELLOR HE XIANGQUI, Charge d’affaires (pronounced as shar-zha-de-‘fer) of the Embassy of China in the Philippines and MR. FU YUNFEI, Police Attaché of Embassy of China. Shortly after, the sky divers from the Presidential Escorts (PE), led by COL JESUS P DURANTE IV (GSC) INF PA, demonstrated their skills and expertise in High Altitude Low Opening (HALO) Military Free Fall for the Guests of Honor.
The Testimonial Review for the dignitaries was held at the PSG Grandstand, Malacañang Park. Upon arrival, the dignitaries were warmly welcomed by the Command, headed by COL ROLANDO JOSELITO D BAUTISTA PA, the 26th Commander of the PSG. The PSG Band Company conducted the “Mabuhay Song” to commence the said ceremony.
A significant part of the ceremony was the Trooping the Line of MR. FU with the Battalion Commander, LTC ALFONSO F ILETO JR PA, wherein the troops were presented and inspected by the Guest of Honor.
After giving Honors to the Nation, PSG also presented an award to the dignitaries. COUNSELLOR HE and MR. FU received the award on behalf of the Ambassador to the Philippines of the People’s Republic of China, AMBASSADOR ZHAO JIANHUA.
To conclude the ceremony, the PSG Band Company played a musical piece−a Filipino folksong−titled “Leron Leron Sinta” followed by the Passing-In-Review of the men and women of the PSG. The Command—comprising of the Group Commander, the Officers, Men and Women, and Civilian workforce—also had a photo opportunity with the distinguished Guests of Honor.
The High-Altitude Military Parachuting for Military Free Fall capability demonstration for the dignitaries, on the other hand, was held at the Malacañang Golf Course Area. The sky divers, alongside the Commanding Officer of PE, were: CPT ROGIN V TOLEDO PN (M), Sgt Dante E Fidel PN (M), Sgt Richard B Delos Angeles PN (M), Cpl Roberto D Valdez PN (M), and Cpl Ador D Geron Jr PN (M). They jumped off the Philippine Air Force Chopper, UH1H, at an altitude of 5,000 feet.
The audience, including the Guests of Honor, stood in awe as they watched the sky divers performed mid-air. One of them held a welcoming banner. The audience applauded as each of them landed gracefully to the ground. For a well-done performance, the sky divers were favorably congratulated.
After the said event, the Guests of Honor were invited for a cocktail and dinner–held at the PSG Officers’ Club House.
It was indeed an afternoon of honor and grace. More so, PSG hopes for stronger ties and seamless exchange of best practices between the two nations.