THE Armed Forces yesterday reactivated the AFP Counter Intelligence Group (AFPCIG) which was formed during the administration of President Corazon Aquino, whose government faced several coup attempts.
AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr and AFP deputy chief of staff for intelligence Maj. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon led the formal reactivation of the unit during rites held at the AFP general headquarters at Camp Aguinaldo.
“To the valiant men and women of the AFPCIG, the security of our beloved nation rests upon your capable shoulders,” Brawner told the unit headed by Col. Jonathan Manio.
Brawner announced the plan to the re-establish the AFPCIG during the celebration of the AFP’s 88th foundation anniversary last December.
In a statement, AFP public affairs office chief Col. Xerxes Trinidad said the reactivation of AFPCIG was “fueled by the commitment of the commander-in-chief (President Marcos Jr) to secure the nation.”
Trinidad said Brawner, during the ceremony, “emphasized the important role of the AFPCIG in securing the nation in an ever-shifting global landscape and encouraged its members to strive for excellence, embrace innovations, and uphold the highest standards of integrity.”
Trinidad said the reactivation of AFPCIG was based on a memorandum issued by Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. The reactivation, he said, was effective January 11.
Trinidad said AFPCIG was organized on Dec. 29, 1989, after the Corazon Aquino administration faced the bloodiest coup attempt against her administration earlier that month.
AFPCIG also played a key role in monitoring attempts to overthrow the administration of President Gloria Arroyo.
Trinidad could not immediately say when the AFPCIG was deactivated, warranting its reactivation yesterday.
Trinidad said the mission of AFPCIG is “to conduct counter intelligence (operation) nationwide to support the AFP mission.”
