AFP and PNP strengthen ties in face of threat groups

From the Business Mirror (Oct 9): AFP and PNP strengthen ties in face of threat groups

The police and the military agreed on Monday to further strengthen their collaborative efforts in the investigation and prosecution of leaders of threat groups, as the country grapples with the problem of terrorism.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Ronald M. dela Rosa and Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Eduardo M. Año signed the resolution creating the Inter-Agency Committee on Legal Action (Iacla) during the 20th Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP)-PNP National Joint Peace and Security Council (JPSC) Meeting at Camp Crame.

The Iacla adds up to the number of agreements on coordination and collaboration between the police and military in the areas of peace and security, including the JPSCC.

“As shown, the country is beset with a lot of threat groups, starting with the Abu Sayyaf Group, Maute Group, Ansar al Khalifa Philippines, BIFF [Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters], including the (NPA [New Peoples’ Army], and now the establishment of a [base] in the Philippines and the linkages of these groups to international terrorists. So this poses seriously to national security,” Año said during a news briefing.

“That’s why this interagency committee on legal offensive will be in charge in intelligence gathering and cooperation, investigation, prosecution and monitoring cases against leaders against personalities of these terrorist groups,” he added.

Año cited the case of Dr. Russel Salic, the alleged doctor of the Maute Group and who allegedly helped financed a thwarted plan by the Islamic State to bomb selected targets in the United States, taking advantage of lax Philippine laws.

“You know, the country enjoys so much democratic space that is being exploited by terror groups and also criminal groups. Unlike in other countries like Singapore, US, Malaysia, Australia, they have a very strict internal security act,” Año said.

He added these countries have special provisions wherein they could arrest and detain a person up to three years “by mere suspicion based on information” until it is determined that the person is a member or part of a terrorist group.

Año said while the country has the Human Security Act, they have been asking that it be amended because they believed that “it’s not enough to address the threats against terrorism”.

According to the chief of staff, Salic, who is under the custody of the National Bureau of Investigation where he surrendered, is a part of the logistics-support network of the international terrorist group.

Salic’s debriefing and investigation is continuing, although Año said he had disclosed information, it would be premature to disclose any details yet to the public.

On the other hand, dela Rosa said terrorist groups have chosen to operate in the country because of its “more relaxed laws”, noting that even the “mere national ID system” is having a hard time getting the nod of legislators.

“We have been clamoring for that, but it’s a very uphill battle,” he added.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/afp-and-pnp-strengthen-ties-in-face-of-threat-groups/