THE Armed Forces has formed a new unit, called the AFP Intelligence Command, in response to “evolving security challenges” the country is facing.
The command, headed by Lt. Gen. Ferdinand Barandon, was activated on August 21, said AFP spokesperson Col. Francel Margareth Padilla.
The unit seeks to address the “pressing need for a more adaptive and efficient intelligence,” she said.
The military has a number of intelligence units, including the Intelligence Service of the AFP (ISAFP) and the AFP Counter-Intelligence Group (AFPCIG).
AFPCIG was reactivated in January. It was first organized in 1989 after series of coup attempts against the administration of then President Corazon Aquino.
The AFPCIG played key role in key role in monitoring attempts to overthrow the administration of President Gloria Arroyo. The unit was disbanded years later.
Padilla declined to elaborate as to the “evolving security challenges” that warranted the creation of the AFP Intelligence Command but said the military is “focused on enhancing coordination across all intelligence units to ensure a unified approach to emerging threats.”
Barandon was recently promoted to the rank of lieutenant general, from major general.
Thirteen other military officers were also promoted to the higher rank, including now Lt. Gen. Jimmy Larida, the AFP’s Deputy Chief of Staff; and now Maj. Gen. Rommel Cordova, the AFP Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans.
