President Duterte has ordered the military to step up intelligence operations to combat lingering security threats such as terrorism and insurgency.
Duterte, speaking at the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines 1st Quarter of 2018 Command Conference and Sergeants Major Forum in Davao City, acknowledged that gathering timely and accurate intelligence information was crucial to protect the nation from enemies of the State.
Duterte said while he commends the military for neutralizing high-value communist and Islamic terrorists due to effective intelligence operations, they must sustain such gains.
“I could not stress enough the importance of timely, accurate, and useful intelligence in securing the country and protecting our people from all enemies of the State,” he said.
“May you further improve your intelligence and counter-intelligence operations, and continue to work closely with other intelligence units and concerned stakeholders in the crucial tasks of gathering and processing intelligence information,” he added.
The President said he was counting on the military intelligence unit and the Sergeants Major to remain steadfast in protecting and defending national security.
“Our fight for a peaceful, stable, and secure Philippines rests greatly on the two pillars of the AFP gathered here today: The ISAFP, which heads the intelligence efforts of the AFP, and the Sergeants Majors, which collectively provide steady operational leadership to the entire non-commissioned corps of the AFP,” Duterte said.
“As we consolidate our gains in this time of rapid progress and growing strength, I count on the ISAFP and our Sergeant Majors to propel our country towards real and lasting peace,” he said.
“With you by our side, our dream of a truly strong Philippines will be achieved in the next few years.” (Genalyn D. Kabiling)
