Surigao del Sur Representative Johnny Pimentel on Sunday called on President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to mobilize the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to assist civilian law enforcement in gathering information against kidnapping syndicates.
Citing the 1987 Constitution, the lawmaker pointed out that the President, as commander-in-chief of the AFP, had the power to direct military operations, including intelligence activities, in matters concerning internal security and public order.
“The President may lawfully deploy ISAFP, as well as the intelligence units of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, to assist the Philippine National Police in countering kidnapping groups – particularly when their activities pose threats to public safety or national security,” Pimentel said in a statement.
“This constitutional power enables the President to utilize military intelligence in support of the police, especially in cases involving grave threats like kidnapping gangs that may have links to transnational crime,” he added.
He also said that while the PNP remained the lead agency in maintaining internal peace and order in the country, military intelligence can still be used “when broader security concerns are at stake.”
“Military assistance to civil authorities is a well-established component of internal security operations,” Pimentel said.
The congressman made the call to Marcos following the recent kidnapping and killing of businessman Anson Que and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
Three suspects in the murder of Que and Pabillo, are now under the custody of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group after two of them were arrested in Palawan on April 18, while another suspect surrendered later that day.
The PNP, however, said that police are still looking for the mastermind behind the kidnapping and killing of the two victims. — DVM, GMA Integrated News
