02 September 2017

News Story: Duterte eyes moving intel funds to anti-terror campaign

By Marvin Sy

MANILA, Philippines - President Duterte is looking to transfer intelligence funds of his office for the use of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) in its campaign against terrorism in Mindanao.

Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said this was relayed to the leaders of Congress during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting last Tuesday.

Drilon noted there was no briefing paper prepared for this and that it was just mentioned by the President.

He recalled that the President wanted the funds to be used for purchasing arms for the AFP’s ongoing campaign to address terrorist threats in Mindanao.

The Office of the President has around P2.5 billion in intelligence and confidential funds, which are being used by the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime, Philippine Presidential Commission on Visiting Forces Agreement, National Coast Watch Council, Presidential Situation Room, Anti-Terrorism Council and Anti-Organized Crime, all of which are under its jurisdiction.

Read the full story at PhilStar