Bigger fund needed for intel gears

A local suicide bomber was behind the attack of a church in Sulu in January. (Lourdes Escaros)

The bombing of a church in Sulu on 28 January pushes the need for a bigger funding for advanced intelligence gathering equipment, according to the chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Police General Oscar D. Albayalde on Friday stressed the need to invest in such equipment to better monitor and fight various threat groups in the country that are also getting stealthier.

“Remember, we have a problem not only on the communist movement but also with different threat groups in Mindanao, particularly those affiliated with ISIS and Abu Sayyaf Group,” Abayalde said in an ambush interview after speaking at the Police Service Anniversary held at the Police Regional Office 3 headquarters at Camp Olivas, Pampanga.

Albayalde also admitted that the PNP’s intelligence fund is not enough.

“Yes, it’s too small if we look at the security outlook on global terrorism and illegal drugs for the coming years, which require procurement of modern systems and equipment. Thus, we will need more funds,” said Albayalde.

However, increasing police intelligence fund may not be easy, he said.

“There is politics or sometimes opposition. That’s one reason why sometimes we can’t get bigger budget,” Albayalde said.