Incoming intel body chief De Leon wants focus on WPS

National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) Director General-designate Ricardo de Leon on Thursday said he wants to "give focus" in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) amid the country's territorial dispute with China.

"I really agree that we have to give also focus on the WPS kasi [because] any development with our neighbor especially in that area would certainly affect domestic security,” he said in an interview on ANC.

"We have to view everything and integrate, harmonize our efforts. We cannot just isolate ourselves and say bahala na diyan sa ano [whatever happens, happens]," he added.

De Leon was responding to question on providing more resources for intelligence-gathering for WPS instead of just being surprised by the presence of Chinese vessels there.

A retired police general, De Leon pointed out that the AFP Modernization Program should be sustained as equipment and facilities are needed to improve intelligence capabilities. He expressed confidence that President-elect Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. would be on board for this.

Beyond WPS

De Leon said he would also focus on expanding intelligence efforts to other countries as the security issues of other countries may also affect the Philippines.

He also said he is aiming to improve intelligence efforts in the local level, including barangays.

"Pagandahin natin yung sa lower areas of intelligence fusion, meaning hanggang doon sa municipalities at barangays [We would improve intelligence fusion in the lower areas, including municipalities and barangays]," he said.

For De Leon, the validation on intelligence information in the government’s anti-drug war campaign should also be refined.

"Kasi lahat ng mga information dapat validated, so yung validation process (because all information should be violated, so the validation process] needs to be improved," he said.

With better intelligence capabilities, he added, drug lords could be arrested through case buildup and manhunt operation. —KBK, GMA News