Malacañang on Monday asserted there's no need to tap military intelligence to support civilian law enforcement in tracking and gathering information about kidnapping syndicates.
In a press briefing, Palace Press Officer and Presidential Communications Undersecretary, Atty. Claire Castro cited the previous statement made by Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief General Rommel Francisco Marbil.
“Muli babanggitin ko ang kanyang sinabi (Again, I will just reiterate)—‘These are isolated, calculated acts rooted in personal and financial vendettas. The situation is firmly under control, our law enforcement strategies are effective, criminal networks are being taken down,’” Castro told reporters.
She left it to the PNP to decide whether the use of military intelligence is necessary.
“So, tingnan na lang po natin kung ano po ang magiging aksiyon muli at magiging estratehiya po ng PNP kung kinakailangan pa po talagang gamitin ang military intelligence (So, let’s just wait and see what actions and strategies the PNP will take, and whether there’s really a need to use military intelligence),” she said.
Castro said there's no need to involve military intelligence at this time, refuting claims of a kidnapping spree in the country.
“Opo, dahil hindi naman po—wala pong widespread na pinapakalat din ng iba na may widespread kidnappings spree in the country, hindi po iyan totoo, malaki pong fakenews siya (Yes, because there is no widespread kidnapping spree happening in the country as some are falsely claiming; that is not true, it’s a big fake news),” she said.
Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel earlier said the President, as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, has the authority to direct military operations, including intelligence activities, related to internal security and public order.
Pimentel also noted that the PNP remains the primary agency responsible for maintaining internal peace and order, while military intelligence may still be utilized "when broader security concerns arise."