AFP chief wants intel sharing provision in new anti-terror law

Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, wants provisions in the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 that will allow the military to share intelligence with their foreign counterparts to address the security threats posed by terrorist groups. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — Lt. Gen. Gilbert Gapay, newly-appointed Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) chief-of-staff, wants provisions in the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 that will allow the military to share intelligence with their foreign counterparts to address the security threats posed by terrorist groups.

He said that such provisions are needed considering that terrorism is now a global threat that needs to be addressed.

“We would also suggest some provisions in the IRR (implementing rules and regulations) how to enhance intelligence sharing, not only for domestically but with our foreign counterparts because this is a global threat that we need to address, that’s why intelligence fusion, intelligence sharing is very vital,” Gapay said during a virtual press briefing shortly after his assumption of command on Monday.

The Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020 was signed by President Rodrigo R. Duterte last July 3. Another input the AFP will be giving is on how to strengthen maritime security to prevent foreign terrorists from using the country’s “porous backdoor” to sneak in.

“Likewise, we will also suggest some provisions on how to curb radicalism — radicalism of the youth so we’ll be providing some inputs on countering violent extremism, and likewise maybe even regulating social media because this is the platform now being used by the terrorists to radicalize, to recruit and even plan terrorist acts. That’s why we need to have specific provisions of this in the IRR pertaining to regulating the use of social media,” Gapay said.

He added that the AFP is looking to regulate agriculture materials that have been used by terrorist groups in the manufacture of improvised explosive devices.