By Priam Nepomuceno/PNA
MANILA — The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) welcomed the United States’ commitment to provide PHP300 million to the country for the enhancement of its intelligence-gathering capabilities, which can be used in the ongoing campaign against terrorism.
“Any help from our allies is always welcome, especially that we have a common enemy, (which is) global terrorism,” AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Noel Detoyato said in a message to the Philippine News Agency (PNA) when sought for comment on the donation Tuesday.
Malacañang on Monday announced that the US government has committed to provide the Philippines with PHP300 million to enhance the country’s intelligence-gathering capabilities.
Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo welcomed this development and described it as proof of strong ties between Manila and Washington.
Detoyato, however, said in the fight against terrorism, strong support of the populace is needed, so that this threat can be fully neutralized.
“However, in the fight to acquire the most relevant, timely and accurate actionable information, technology, which money can buy and trainings which consume funds, the human factor is an indispensable source. So the support of the populace is of paramount importance in the fight against terrorism,” he added.
