Intel crucial in dealing with threat groups — Duterte

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte has underscored the importance of credible intelligence gathering in keeping the government abreast of latest security threats.

Duterte talked about regional and local security concerns during the 1st Quarter of 2018 Command Conference and Sergeants Major Forum of the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) at the Grand Regal Hotel on Saturday.

“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 major, which collectively provide steady operational leadership to the entire non-commissioned corps of the AFP,” Duterte said.

In his speech, Duterte stressed the importance of the military intelligence group’s crucial task in securing the country. He also commended them for the success in fighting terrorism and other enemies of the state.

“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,” the President said.

“The government credits the successful apprehension and neutralization of several high-value communist and Islamic terrorists to your effective intelligence operations,” he added.

During the forum, Duterte checked on several gadgets the military is using for its intelligence operations. The gadgets were on display in a holding room that was shown to him.

The President also first had a separate meeting with the ISAFP officials before he went to the conference proper.