AFP reactivates counterintelligence group upon Teodoro’s order

Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. —MALACAÑANG PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Thursday formally reactivated its counterintelligence group (CIG) aimed to protect the military against espionage, sabotage, and other intelligence activities.

AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. led the reactivation ceremony of the counterintelligence group held at Camp Aguinaldo.

“To the valiant men and women of the AFP-CIG, the security of our beloved nation rests upon your capable shoulders,” Brawner said in his message.

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“Your tireless efforts will ensnare any threats and guarantee the safety of our treasured citizens,” he also said, expressing hopes that the counterintelligence group will “ascend to unimaginable heights” to preserve the rights and liberties of the country.

The counterintelligence group was reactivated following Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr.’s memorandum effective Jan. 11, according to the AFP.

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The AFP’s counterintelligence was organized in 1989 and was disbanded during the administration of Fidel Ramos in 1995 to create a presidential task force on intelligence and counterintelligence instead.

However, there is an Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) which heads the armed forces’ intelligence efforts, but it still remains distinct from the AFP-CIG.