Counterintelligence Group
{{Infobox military unit
| unit_name = Armed Forces of the Philippines Counterintelligence Group
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| image_size = 180
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| dates = {{UBL| 1989-1995 | {{start date and age|2024|1|18|df=yes}}}}
| country = {{flag|Philippines}}
| allegiance =
| branch = 30px Armed Forces of the Philippines
| type = Military intelligence
Counterintelligence
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| command_structure = Under the Armed Forces of the Philippines
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| current_commander = Colonel Jonathan Manio
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The AFP Counterintelligence Group (Armed Forces of the Philippines Counterintelligence Group or AFP-CIG) is the counterintelligence command of the AFP. The first iteration of the AFP-CIG was created in 1989 until it was disbanded in 1995 during the administration of then president Fidel V. Ramos. The current iteration of the AFP-CIG was fully activated on January 18, 2024, after it was revived in 2005. It is mandated to conduct counterintelligence operations throughout the Philippines.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303084418/https://theatlasnews.co/latest/2024/01/29/the-philippines-implements-intelligence-community-reforms/|url=https://theatlasnews.co/latest/2024/01/29/the-philippines-implements-intelligence-community-reforms/|title=The Philippines Implements Intelligence Community Reforms|publisher=Atlas News|accessdate=2024-08-18|archivedate=2024-03-03|author=Joaquin Camarena|date=8 February 2024 }}
Its counterintelligence role is distinct from the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP), the latter conducting intelligence operations under AFP command.{{cite web|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1217241|title=AFP counter-intel group to help curb espionage, sabotage vs. PH|publisher=Philipine News Agency|date=2024-01-19|accessdate=2024-08-18|author=Priam Nepomuceno}}
History
=1989 to 1995=
The CIG was originally established on December 29, 1989, and tasked to "conduct intelligence and counterintelligence operations to detect and identify active and former military and police personnel and their cohorts involved in criminal activities" in accordance with Executive Order No. 280.{{cite web|url=https://lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1995/eo_280_1995.html|title=EXECUTIVE ORDER NO. 280 October 16, 1995|publisher=The Lawphil Project|accessdate=2024-08-18}} The command was originally involved in protecting the administration of then president Corazon Aquino against coup attempts and going after rogue soldiers who were reported to participate in bank heists and kidnapping operations.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120162349/https://wingatchalian.com/news/lawmaker-calls-on-pnp-to-organize-task-force-on-counter-intelligence/|url=https://wingatchalian.com/news/lawmaker-calls-on-pnp-to-organize-task-force-on-counter-intelligence/|title=Lawmaker calls on PNP to organize Task Force on Counter Intelligence|accessdate=2024-08-18|archivedate=2024-01-20|publisher= Office of Senator Win Gatchalian}}
The CIG was disbanded on October 16, 1995, its functions transferred to the Presidential Task Force on Intelligence and Counterintelligence Against Scalawags.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120132453/https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/explainers/why-reactivate-armed-forces-counterintelligence-group/|url=https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/explainers/why-reactivate-armed-forces-counterintelligence-group/|title=Why did the Philippines reactivate its military counterintelligence group?|author=Bea Cupin|date=2024-01-20|archivedate=2024-01-20|accessdate=2024-01-20}} According to then President Ramos, as the CIG had been successful in the "neutralization and prosecution of scalawags," the unit was no longer needed in the AFP.
=2005=
In 2005, the administration of then president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo revived the CIG to monitor coup attempts and corruption inside the AFP.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20231025155146/https://ndcp.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Security-Sector-Reform-and-Governance-in-the-Philippines.pdf|url=https://ndcp.edu.ph/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/Security-Sector-Reform-and-Governance-in-the-Philippines.pdf|title=SECURITY SECTOR REFORM AND GOVERNANCE IN THE PHILIPPINES|page=45|accessdate=2024-08-18|archivedate=2023-10-25|publisher=National Defense College of the Philippines}}
=Modern=
File:AFP CIG flag presentation.jpg
Prior to the CIG's full activation, rumors were raised of unrest and coup attempts from retired soldiers.{{cite web|archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120162351/https://www.rappler.com/philippines/watch-afp-chief-brawner-warns-coup-plotters-do-not-recruit-active-soldiers/|url=https://www.rappler.com/philippines/watch-afp-chief-brawner-warns-coup-plotters-do-not-recruit-active-soldiers/|title=WATCH: AFP chief Brawner warns coup plotters not to recruit active soldiers|author=Herbie Gomez|date=4 November 2023 |accessdate=2024-08-18|archivedate=2024-01-20|publisher=Rappler}} AFP chief General Romeo Brawner Jr. spoke to President Bongbong Marcos about a supposed plot based on conversations he had with retired AFP officers on November 4, 2023. However, Colonel Medel Aguilar, AFP spokesperson Colonel Medel Aguilar said that General Brawner was merely misquoted.
On December 21, 2023, General Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a speech that the CIG would be reestablished.{{cite web|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1215808|title=PBBM to AFP: Enhance alliances, partnerships with foreign counterparts|publisher=Philippine News Agency|author=Priam Nepomuceno and Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos|date=2023-12-21|accessdate=2024-08-18}} According to AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Xerxes Trinidad, he said that the CIG's activation was based on a directive issued on January 11, 2024, by Defense secretary Gilbert Teodoro.
On January 18, 2024, General Brawner Jr. led the ceremony to activate the CIG at AFP General Headquarters.{{cite web|url=https://tribune.net.ph/2024/01/18/afp-reactivates-counterintelligence-group|title=AFP reactivates Counterintelligence Group|work=The Daily Tribune|date=2024-01-18|author=Lade Jean Kabagani|accessdate=2024-08-18}} The unit would be led by Colonel Jonathan Manio, under AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Intelligence Major General Ferdinand Barandon. AFP spokesperson Colonel Francel Margareth Padilla explained that the CIG's mandate includes counter-infiltration, counter-espionage, and counter-sabotage operations.{{cite web |author=Joviland Rita |date=2024-01-19 |title=AFP reactivates Counterintelligence Group vs destab, sabotage threats |url=https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/nation/894741/afp-reactivates-counterintelligence-group-vs-destab-sabotage-threats/story/ |publisher=GMA Network (company) |agency=GMA Integrated News |accessdate=2024-08-18}}
References
{{Reflist}}
External links
- {{Commons category inline|Counterintelligence Group}}
{{Military of the Philippines}}
Category:Commands of the Philippine Army
Category:Military intelligence units and formations
Category:Military units and formations established in 1989
Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1995