Marcos orders PNP to boost intelligence, anti-cybercrime capabilities

President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. has directed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to improve its intelligence capabilities and anti-cybercrime efforts during the organization's recent command conference in Camp Crame, Quezon City.

In a statement on Wednesday, the PNP said Marcos emphasized the importance of boosting PNP's capabilities against cybercrime as he cited the increasing threat of digital crimes.

Marcos called on the PNP to focus on apprehending major suppliers and high-profile drug personalities.

Further, the PNP said, the President stressed the importance of intelligence gathering for crime prevention.

For Marcos, there should be a comprehensive approach to address illegal gambling.

As for disaster preparedness and response, Marcos said more training should be conducted for police personnel.

Marcos proposed setting up a legal department within the police force, the PNP said, to provide legal assistance and representation for police personnel.

Also on Wednesday, the President said that he has already directed a study for the possible creation of a legal department within the PNP that would serve as the "defense council" of any police officer.

Meanwhile, for the next year's elections, Marcos instructed the PNP to start disarming and dismantling private armed groups to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

According to the PNP, Marcos said that the police should already gather intelligence, seize illegal firearms, and identify potential hotspots to assure the security of the polls.

Also, he ordered the PNP to strengthen intelligence monitoring ahead of his State of the Nation Address (SONA) to prevent disruptions.

Last Tuesday, Marcos headed the command conference with PNP chief Police General Rommel Francisco Marbil, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos along with members of the Directorial Staff and Directors of other PNP units. — VDV, GMA Integrated News