Thursday, January 18, 2024

AFP counter-intel group reactivated amid coup rumors

From the Manila Bulletin (Jan 18, 2023): AFP counter-intel group reactivated amid coup rumors (By MARTIN SADONGDONG)


AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. (middle) hands over the office symbol of the Counterintelligence Group (AFPCIG) to acting commander Col. Jonathan Manio while AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence Maj. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon (right) observes during the reactivation of the group at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City on Jan. 18, 2024. (Photo by AFP)

A key unit of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) that is focused on preventing spying, sabotage, and intelligence gathering has been reactivated on Thursday, Jan. 18, amid rumors of attempts to overthrow the government.

AFP Chief, Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. led the reactivation of the AFP Counterintelligence Group (CIG), which was created in 1989 at a time when then President Corazon Aquino faced numerous coup attempts against her administration.

The group's reactivation was based on a memorandum order issued by Department of National Defense (DND) Sec. Gilberto Teodoro Jr. which took effect on Jan. 11.

The group will be headed by Colonel Jonathan Manio, and supervised by AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence Maj. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon.


Brawner addressed the intelligence personnel making up the AFPCIG and emphasized the group's crucial role "in securing the nation in an ever-shifting global landscape."

"[T]he security of our beloved nation rests upon your capable shoulders. Your tireless efforts will ensnare any threats and guarantee the safety of our treasured citizens," Brawner said.

"May the AFP Counterintelligence Group ascend to unimaginable heights, preserving the rights and liberties of our great nation," he added.

According to the AFP, the reactivation of the Counterintelligence Group was "fueled by the commitment of the Commander-in-Chief (President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.) to secure the nation."

This came after rumors surfaced that retired military and police personnel were urging those in the active service to join efforts in ousting Marcos from power.

In a press conference earlier this week, Brawner had insisted that the troops remain loyal to the Constitution as he dismissed the need for a loyalty check within the military to determine if there are personnel involved in supposed ouster plots.

The AFP said that the AFPCIG was created on Dec. 29, 1989 after the most serious coup attempt against the Aquino administration although public affairs office (PAO) chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad could not pinpoint when the group was deactivated.

The group, according to AFP, also played a vital role in preventing coup attempts in the early 2000s against the administration of then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who coincidentally had Teodoro as her defense secretary.


https://mb.com.ph/2024/1/18/afp-counter-intel-group-reactivated-amid-coup-rumors#google_vignette

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