A lawmaker is urging President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to tap the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (ISAFP) to counter organized crimes and kidnapping incidents in the country.
RH 12 Milky Rigonan reported on Tuesday, April 22, that Surigao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Johnny Pimentel called on Marcos to mobilize the ISAFP to assist the Philippine National Police (PNP) in gathering information on kidnapping syndicates.
The report mentioned that incidents related to the matter have yet to be resolved. Thus, the assistance from the ISAFP.
Under the 1987 Constitution, the President, as commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), has the power to direct military operations. This also includes matters on internal security and public order.
Apart from the ISAFP, Pimentel said the President may also direct intelligence units from the Army, Air Force, and Navy to aid the PNP in countering the kidnapping groups from threatening public order and safety.
Pimentel’s recommendation comes after the kidnapping and killing of the Filipino-Chinese businessman Anson Que (also known as Anson Tan) and his driver Armanie Pabillo.
With this, Congress hopes they can locate the mastermind behind the slay case as soon as possible.
