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{{Short description|Primary intelligence gathering and analysis arm of the Philippine government}}
{{Infobox Government agency
{{Use mdy dates|date=May 2020}}
|agency_name = National Intelligence Coordinating Agency<br>''Pambansang Sangay para sa Pagsasamang Kaalaman''
{{Use Philippine English|date=November 2022}}
|nativename =
{{Infobox government agency
|nativename_a =
| agency_name = National Intelligence Coordinating Agency
|nativename_r =
| nativename = ''Pambansang Ahensiya na Tagapag-Ugnay sa Pamalayan''<ref>{{cite book |title=Mga Pangalan ng Tanggapan ng Pamahalaan sa Filipino |year=2013 |publisher=[[Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino]] |isbn=978-971-0197-22-4 |page=6 |edition=2013 |url=http://kwf.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Mga-ng-Pangalan-Tanggapan-sa-Filipino2.pdf |access-date=April 9, 2020 |archive-date=March 29, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170329025354/http://kwf.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Mga-ng-Pangalan-Tanggapan-sa-Filipino2.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="auto1">{{Cite web|url=https://nica.gov.ph/about-us.html|title=About us}}</ref>
|logo =
|logo_width =
| logo =
|logo_caption =
| logo_width =
|seal =
| logo_caption =
| seal = National Intelligence Coordinating Agency of the Philippines (NICA).svg
|seal_width = 90 px
| seal_width = 200px
|seal_caption = Seal of the NICA
| seal_caption = Official Seal
|formed = [[1949]]
|preceding1 = National Intelligence and Security Authority
| formed = {{Start date and age|1949|07|10}}
| preceding1 = National Intelligence and Security Authority (NISA)
|preceding2 =
| preceding2 = Civil Intelligence and Security Agency (CISA)
|dissolved =
|superseding =
| dissolved =
|jurisdiction = [[Philippines|Government of the Philippines]]
| superseding =
| jurisdiction = [[Government of the Philippines]]
|headquarters = Quezon City, [[Philippines]]
| headquarters = [[Quezon City]], [[Philippines]]
|employees =
| employees =
|budget =
| budget =
|minister1_name =
| minister1_name =
|minister1_pfo =
| minister1_pfo =
|minister2_name =
| minister2_name =
|minister2_pfo =
| minister2_pfo =
|chief1_name = [[Pedro Cabuay]]
| chief1_name = [[Ricardo de Leon]]
|chief1_position = [[Director-General]]
| chief1_position = Director-General
|chief2_name =
| chief2_name =
|chief2_position =
| chief2_position =
|parent_agency = Office of the President
| parent_agency = [[Office of the President of the Philippines]]
|child1_agency =
| child1_agency =
|child2_agency =
| child2_agency =
|website =
| website = https://www.nica.gov.ph
|footnotes =
| footnotes =
| motto = ''Kaalaman ay Kaligtasan'' <br /> (Knowledge is Safety)
}}
}}
The '''National Intelligence Coordinating Agency''' ('''NICA''') ([[Filipino Language|Filipino]]: ''Pambansang Sangay para sa Pagsasamang Kaalaman'') (''PSPK'') is the primary intelligence gathering and analysis arm of the [[Philippines|Philippine]] government, in charge of carrying out overt, [[covert]], and [[clandestine]] intelligence programs. Its motto is: ''Ang Karunungan ay Kaligtasan'' (translated: "Knowledge is Security").
The '''National Intelligence Coordinating Agency''' ('''NICA''') ({{langx|fil|Pambansang Ahensiya na Tagapag-Ugnay sa Pamalayan|}}) is the primary intelligence gathering and analysis arm of the [[Government of the Philippines]] in charge of carrying out overt, [[Secrecy#Government|covert]], and [[Clandestine operation|clandestine]] intelligence activities. <!--Its motto is: ''Kaalaman ay Kaligtasan'' (translated: "Intelligence is Security").<ref>[http://www.nica.gov.ph/logo.html NICA LOGO.] Retrieved on May 5, 2015</ref>--> The NICA directs, coordinates, and integrates all intelligence activities, both foreign and domestic, concerning national security,<ref name="auto1"/> serving as the leading intelligence collector of the national government, focusing on the country's strategic intelligence requirements. It is mandated to prepare intelligence estimate on local and foreign situation for the formulation of national security policies by the President and the [[National Security Council (Philippines)|National Security Council]].<ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://nica.gov.ph/mandate.html|title=National Intelligence and Security Authority Mandate}}</ref>


The agency also serves as the focal point for the government's counterintelligence activities and operation; acts as Secretariat to the Anti-Terrorism Council; and serves as head of the [[National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict]]'s Situation Awareness and Knowledge Management Cluster.<ref name="auto"/><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.ntfelcac.org/about | title=About &#124; NTF }}</ref>
Presently, NICA is in close coordination with the [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]], [[Mossad]], [[Secret Intelligence Service]] and intelligence services of [[ASEAN]] countries to counter the threat of [[terrorism]].


The agency is led by a [[Director-General]] and is assisted by a Deputy Director-General. The former reports directly to the President.<ref name="Order"> [http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_246_1987.html PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COORDINATING AGENCY.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007</ref> Its present headquarters are located in Quezon City.<ref> [http://www.asianjournal.com/?c=136&a=13079&sid=eefef4866b14a1f0e9e79e1e0e142ec8 Intelligence Agency Pelted with Tomatoes.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007.</ref> Pedro Cabuay, a retired Major General, is the current director general of NICA.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/114979/Arroyo-names-new-intelligence-chief gmanews.tv, Arroyo names new intelligence chief]</ref><ref>[http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080820-155816/Arroyo-names-new-intelligence-chief newsinfo.inquirer.net, Arroyo names new intelligence chief]</ref>
The NICA is led by a Director-General, who reports directly to the [[President of the Philippines]], and is assisted by two Deputy Director-Generals.<ref name="Order">[http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_246_1987.html PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COORDINATING AGENCY.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007</ref> Its headquarters is located in [[Quezon City]],<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.gov.ph/directory-of-department-and-agencies |title = Directory of Department and Agencies – GOV.PH}}</ref> with regional offices located all over the country and foreign stations in countries of interest to the Philippine government.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://nica.gov.ph/mission.html|title=National Intelligence and Security Authority Mission}}</ref>


The NICA has a National Intelligence Board that serves as an advisory board to the Director-General before he would submit his findings to the President relating to national security matters affecting the [[Philippines]].<ref name="Order"> [http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_246_1987.html PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COORDINATING AGENCY.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007</ref><ref name="History"> [http://web.archive.org/web/20030602123619/www.nica.gov.ph/index.php?nav=prof History of NICA. From Internet Archive.] Retrieved on December 27, 2007.</ref>
The National Intelligence Committee, chaired by the Director-General, serves as the advisory body of NICA.<ref name="Order"/><ref name="History">{{cite web |url=http://www.nica.gov.ph/index.php?nav=prof |title=History of NICA |access-date=June 2, 2003 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030602123619/http://www.nica.gov.ph/index.php?nav=prof |archive-date=June 2, 2003 }}. Retrieved on December 27, 2007.</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Administrative Order No. 7 |url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/downloads/2017/09sep/20170922-AO-7-RRD.pdf |publisher=[[Official Gazette (Philippines)|Official Gazette]] |access-date=2 October 2022}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
[[File:NICA V. Luna.jpg|thumbnail|Main office of NICA along V. Luna Avenue in Quezon City]]
Founded in [[1949]], it was created by President [[Elpidio Quirino]] under the authority of Executive Order 235 with further powers relating to intelligence work added by a commission of the Government Survey and Reorganization Commission in [[1954]].<ref name="History"> [http://web.archive.org/web/20030602123619/www.nica.gov.ph/index.php?nav=prof History of NICA. From Internet Archive.] Retrieved on December 27, 2007.</ref> It was abolished on [[September 16]], [[1972]] by President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] under Presidential Decree 51 and replaced by the National Intelligence and Security Authority (NISA)<ref name="History">[http://web.archive.org/web/20030602123619/www.nica.gov.ph/index.php?nav=prof History of NICA. From Internet Archive.] Retrieved on December 27, 2007.</ref> headed by General [[Fabian Ver]]. The agency was primarily used to track down and eliminate anti-Marcos opponents before President Marcos was forced into exile. During his reign, it was one of main government organizations accused of human rights abuses.<ref name="origin"> [http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/rwinslow/asia_pacific/philippines.html Compartive Criminology - Asia: Philippines.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007 </ref> After the 1st EDSA Revolution, it was renamed the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency in [[1987]], replacing the NISA and was merged with the Civil Intelligence and Security Agency<ref name="Order"> [http://www.lawphil.net/executive/execord/eo1987/eo_246_1987.html PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COORDINATING AGENCY.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007</ref> when the Philippine Constitution was revamped, where it refocused its priorities in tackling the communist movement. Their work has resulted in their weakening in the late '90s.<ref name="origin"> [http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/rwinslow/asia_pacific/philippines.html Comparative Criminology - Asia: Philippines.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007 </ref>
Founded in 1949, the NICA was created by President [[Elpidio Quirino]] under the authority of [[Ordinance Power of the President of the Philippines#Executive orders|Executive Order]] No. 235.<ref>{{cite web |title=Executive Order No. 235, s. 1949 |url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1949/07/10/executive-order-no-235-s-1949/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190514082958/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1949/07/10/executive-order-no-235-s-1949/ |archive-date=14 May 2019}}</ref> In 1954, the Government Survey and Reorganization Commission ordered the expansion of the powers of NICA.<ref name="History"/> The agency was reorganized in 1958 under Executive Order No. 291 by President [[Carlos P. Garcia]].<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1958/03/14/executive-order-no-291-s-1958/ | title=Executive Order No. 291, s. 1958 &#124; GOVPH| date=1958-03-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190810151849/https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1958/03/14/executive-order-no-291-s-1958/|archive-date=2019-08-10}}</ref>


The NICA was abolished on November 16, 1972, by President [[Ferdinand Marcos]] under Presidential Decree No. 51, and was replaced by the National Intelligence and Security Authority (NISA), which was designated as the principal intelligence agency, and the Civil Intelligence and Security Agency (CISA), which was tasked with counterintelligence and supervision of all civil security units in Philippine government offices.<ref name="History"/> The NISA was then headed by Gen. [[Fabian Ver]] and was alleged to be responsible for various [[Human rights abuses of the Marcos dictatorship|human rights abuses]], primarily during the [[Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos|martial law period]]. The regime of President Marcos, through Gen. Ver, was believed to have used NISA to spy on, abduct and eliminate persons opposing the [[autocracy]] of President Marcos in the 1970s and the 1980s.<ref name="origin">{{cite web|url=http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/rwinslow/asia_pacific/philippines.html|title=Comparative Criminology – Asia – Philippines|work=SDSU.edu|access-date=January 26, 2017|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130518034026/http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/rwinslow/asia_pacific/philippines.html|archive-date=May 18, 2013}}</ref> In 1978, the NISA was designated as the focal point for all intelligence activities involving national security and supervisor of other intelligence agencies under the Office of the President.<ref>[https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1978/11/27/letter-of-instruction-no-771-s-1978/ Letter of Instruction. No. 771 1978] officialgazette.gov.ph</ref>
In [[1990]], the Philippine's National Security Advisor was given responsibility to oversee management and control of the agency as to be responsive to the needs of the president and the national security council.<ref name="origin"> [http://www-rohan.sdsu.edu/faculty/rwinslow/asia_pacific/philippines.html Comparative Criminology - Asia: Philippines.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007 </ref>


In 1987, shortly after the [[People Power Revolution]] which had led to a peaceful removal of President Marcos from office, his successor President [[Corazon Aquino]] issued Executive Order No. 246 which abolished NISA and CISA and reestablished NICA.<ref name="Order"/> The NICA then refocused its priorities in tackling the [[Communist armed conflicts in the Philippines|communist insurgency in the Philippines]].<ref name="origin"/>
==Current Tasks==


In 1990, the National Security Advisor was given responsibility to oversee management and control of NICA to be responsive to the needs of the President and the [[National Security Council (Philippines)|National Security Council]].<ref name="origin"/><ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2019/08/02/1939854/evolving-security-threats |title = Evolving security threats| website=[[The Philippine STAR]] }}</ref>
[[Executive order (United States)|Executive Order]] Number 492, issued on [[February 1]], [[2006]], orders the NICA to activate the '''National Maritime Aerial Reconnaissance and Surveillance Center''' or '''NMARSC'''. The NMARSC shall serve as the primary [[IMINT]] provider for the Philippine [[intelligence community]]. Under the supervision and oversight of the National Security Adviser, the NICA-directed NMARSC will operate [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s or UAVs to cater to the imagery intelligence demands of various government agencies.


NICA agents were also responsible for the arrest of several Abu Sayyaf members, including Al Qaeda-linked bomber [[Abdulmukim Edris]].<ref> [http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/11/14/phil.bomb.suspect/ Philippines arrests al Qaeda-linked bomber.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007.</ref>
NICA agents were responsible for the arrest of several [[Abu Sayyaf]] members, including [[Al Qaeda]]-linked bomber Abdulmukim Edris.<ref>{{cite web|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080329012900/http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/11/14/phil.bomb.suspect/|url=http://archives.cnn.com/2002/WORLD/asiapcf/southeast/11/14/phil.bomb.suspect/|title=CNN – Breaking News, Latest News and Videos|date=November 14, 2002|work=CNN.com|access-date=January 26, 2017|archive-date=March 29, 2008}}</ref>


In 2005, the agency established two directorates to conduct [[Financial intelligence|economic intelligence]] and [[counterintelligence]] activities.<ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.congress.gov.ph/committees/commnews/commnews_det.php?newsid=478 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110604055934/http://www.congress.gov.ph/committees/commnews/commnews_det.php?newsid=478 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2011-06-04 | title=Committee News – House of Representatives of the Philippines}}</ref>
The NICA is also active in the Philippines' Anti-Terrorism Council, established recently, in order to set guidelines in passing a proposed Anti-Terrorism Law,<ref> [http://www.allheadlinenews.com/articles/7007774083Philippines Ready To Implement Anti-Terror Law.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007.</ref> known as the [[Human Security Act]] signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on [[February 8]], [[2007]].<ref> [http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view_article.php?article_id=53077 Why Arroyo needs anti-terror law.] Retrieved on November 28, 2007.</ref>


<span class="anchor" id="NMARSC"></span> On February 1, 2006, President [[Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo]] issued Executive Order No. 492, which ordered the NICA to activate the National Maritime Aerial Reconnaissance and Surveillance Center (NMARSC). The NMARSC was designated as the primary [[imagery intelligence]] provider for the Philippine [[List of intelligence agencies|intelligence community]] and was tasked to operate [[unmanned aerial vehicle]]s under the supervision and oversight of the National Security Adviser.<ref name="FMA">{{Cite web | url=https://www.fma.ph/?p=1093 |title = State of Surveillance in the Philippines|date = March 6, 2016}}</ref>
NICA liaison officers are official part of the Philippine diplomatic missions in major cities and key consular sites.

On March 6, 2007, President Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9372, also known as the [[Human Security Act|Human Security Act of 2007]], which designates the NICA as the Secretariat of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).<ref>{{cite web |url=http://senate.gov.ph/republic_acts/ra%209372.pdf |title=Archived copy |website=senate.gov.ph |access-date=11 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190616060635/http://senate.gov.ph/republic_acts/ra%209372.pdf |archive-date=16 June 2019 |url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web | url=http://www.nica.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=2 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119171133/http://www.nica.gov.ph/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1&Itemid=2 | url-status=dead | archive-date=2019-11-19 |title = National Intelligence Coordinating Agency}}</ref>

In 2011, Juan Ponce Enrile challenged President Aquino to declassify intelligence files from the former NISA.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.philstar.com/metro/2011/12/12/757192/enrile-wants-govt-declassify-nisa-reports | title=Enrile wants gov't to declassify NISA reports | website=[[The Philippine STAR]] }}</ref>

In 2018, then-[[Majority Floor Leader of the House of Representatives of the Philippines|House of Representatives Majority Floor Leader]] [[Rodolfo Fariñas]] filed House Bill No. 7111, also known as the Foreign Electronic Surveillance Act. The bill would have allowed NICA agents to covertly conduct electronic surveillance operations against foreign countries, terrorists and private groups without the need of having a [[Warrant (law)|warrant]] or a [[court order]] in an emergency situation.<ref name="Farinas">{{Cite web | url=http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/972842/farinas-seeks-govt-power-to-spy-on-foreign-entities | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180626074348/http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/972842/farinas-seeks-govt-power-to-spy-on-foreign-entities | url-status=dead | archive-date=2018-06-26 |title = Fariñas seeks gov't power to spy on foreign entities &#124; Inquirer News}}</ref> A warrantless operation outside the Philippine territory would also need the approval by the Director-General of the NICA and the Secretary of the [[Department of Justice (Philippines)|Department of Justice]] (DOJ).<ref name="Farinas"/> However, since it was not enacted by the end of the [[17th Congress of the Philippines|17th Congress]], the bill is already considered "dead" in the House of Representatives [[Philippine House Committee on National Defense and Security|Committee on National Defense and Security]].

On June 3, 2020, President [[Rodrigo Duterte]] signed Republic Act No. 11479, also known as the [[Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020]], which repealed the Human Security Act of 2007. Pursuant to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, the NICA remains as the Secretariat of the ATC. However, NICA has also now been tasked to provide its recommendation on an application for [[proscription]] seeking to declare any individual or group as a [[Terrorism|terrorist]] before the [[Court of Appeals of the Philippines|Court of Appeals]]. Such application for proscription may only be filed by the DOJ, subject to the authority of the ATC.

On January 3, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a revamp to the NICA through Executive Order No. 54, which would create the Office of the Deputy Director General (ODDG) for Cyber and Emerging Threats to handle and address counter-intelligence and counter-measures against cybersecurity threats.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1892731/marcos-orders-nica-reorganization-amid-evolving-threats-to-natl-security | title=Marcos orders NICA reorganization amid 'evolving threats to nat'l security' | date=January 23, 2024 }}</ref>

==Mandate==
The NICA is mandated to:<ref>{{cite web |title=Mandate - National Intelligence Coordinating Agency |url=http://www.nica.gov.ph/mandate.html |publisher=National Intelligence Coordinating Agency |access-date=2 October 2022}}</ref>
* conduct and coordinate national intelligence activities;
* fulfill strategic intelligence needs of the Philippine government;
* provide the National Intelligence Estimate for purposes of national security policymaking;
* lead counterintelligence activities;
* serve as the Secretariat of the Anti-Terrorism Council; and
* serve as the Head of the Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management Cluster of the [[National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict]].


==Organization==
==Organization==
The NICA is organized into the following divisions and directorates:<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1987/07/25/executive-order-no-292-book-ivtitle-viiisubtitle-ichapter-3-national-intelligence-coordinating-agency-2/ | title=Executive Order No. 292 &#91;BOOK IV/Title VIII/Subtitle I/Chapter 3-National Intelligence Coordinating Agency&#93; &#124; GOVPH| date=July 25, 1987}}</ref>


* Office of the Director-General - Led by Director-General
* Office of the Director-General – led by the Director-General
* Directorate of Operations - Led by Assistant Director-General for Operations
* Directorate of Operations – led by the Assistant Director-General for Operations
* Directorate of Production - Led by the Assistant Director-General for Production
* Directorate of Production – led by the Assistant Director-General for Production
* Directorate of Administration - Led by the Assistant Director-General for Administration
* Directorate of Administration – led by the Assistant Director-General for Administration
* Management and Planning Office
* Management and Planning Office
* Office of the Comptroller
* Office of the Comptroller
* In June, 2024, Marcos Jr. appointed Jesus Leonardo Auxilio as [[Executive director]] of the National Maritime Aerial Reconnaissance and Surveillance Center of the NICA.<ref>{{cite news |last1= Cervantes|first1= Filane Mikee |title=Palace bares new PBBM appointees|url=https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226829 |accessdate=June 29, 2024 |publisher=[[Philippine News Agency]] |date=June 13, 2024}}</ref>
* Various Field Stations
* Various field stations in [[Regions of the Philippines|various regions]] – led by its respective Regional Directors<ref>{{Cite web | url=https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1021141 |title = NICA briefs government communicators on whole-of-nation approach| website=Philippine Information Agency }}</ref>


==Directors-General==
==Known Director Generals==
* Fabian Ver, accused by various human rights groups of using the NISA as an anti-Marcos watchdog as well as the "secret police" of the regime supported by the military and the police elements to crush the subversive elements at that time.
* General [[Fabian Ver]] was believed by [[human rights group]]s to have used the NICA's predecessor, the National Intelligence and Security Authority (NISA), as the [[secret police]] of the regime of President Ferdinand Marcos, leading to various [[Human rights abuses of the Marcos dictatorship|human rights abuses]] committed against persons opposing the [[Martial law under Ferdinand Marcos|autocracy]] in the 1970s and the 1980s.
* Trifonia Salazar<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.philstar.com/opinion/2022/08/05/2200362/nsa-carlos-gets-different-deputy-defends-own-nominees | title=NSA Carlos gets different deputy, defends own nominees | website=[[The Philippine STAR]] }}</ref>
* Alfredo Filler, retired as Vice Chief of Armed Forces of the Philippines after serving as director.<ref> [http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/icm/Seminars/Oct29/foreign_participants.htm List of foreign participants.] Retrieved on July 24, 2007.</ref>
* General Alex Paul Monteagudo<ref>{{cite web | url=https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1467998/nica-chief-echoes-duterte-says-reds-make-billions | title=NICA chief echoes Duterte, says Reds make billions | date=August 2, 2021 }}</ref> - served from 2016 to 2022.
* [[Cesar Garcia]], was replaced in 2008 by Pedro Cabuay.<ref>[http://www.gmanews.tv/story/114979/Arroyo-names-new-intelligence-chief gmanews.tv, Arroyo names new intelligence chief]</ref>
* Colonel Vicente S. Yumul and Major General [[Jose T. Almonte]] held office as the Directors-General of NICA under President [[Corazon Aquino]].

* Alfredo Filler, the former Vice Chief-of-Staff of the [[Armed Forces of the Philippines]] (AFP), also served as the Director-General of NICA under President [[Fidel V. Ramos]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.satp.org/satporgtp/icm/Seminars/Oct29/foreign_participants.htm|title=List of Foreign Participants|work=satp.org|access-date=January 26, 2017}}</ref>
==Allies==
*{{flagicon|USA}} [[Central Intelligence Agency|CIA]]
*{{flagicon|ISR}} [[Mossad]]
*{{flagicon|UK}} [[Secret Intelligence Service]]
*{{flagicon|AUS}} [[Australian Secret Intelligence Service]]
*{{flagicon|South Korea}} [[National Intelligence Service (South Korea)]]
*{{flagicon|JPN}} [[Public Security Intelligence Agency]]
*{{flagicon|Singapore}} [[Security and Intelligence Division]]
*{{flagicon|Russia}} [[Foreign Intelligence Service (Russia)]] (against terrorists)

==Threats==
*[[Image:NPA.png|22px]] [[New Peoples Army]]
*[[Image:Flag of Jihad.svg|22px]] [[Abu Sayyaf]]
*[[Image:Flag of Jihad.svg|22px]] [[Moro National Liberation Front]]
*[[Image:Flag of Jihad.svg|22px]] [[Moro Islamic Liberation Front]]
*[[Image:Flag of Jihad.svg|22px]] [[Al-Qaeda]]
*{{flagicon|China}} [[Ministry of State Security of the People's Republic of China]]
*{{flagicon|Iran}} [[Ministry of Intelligence and National Security of Iran]]
*{{flagicon|Libya}} [[Jamahiriya el-Mukhabarat]]


==References==
==References==
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


{{External national intelligence agencies}}
==External links==
* {{Official website|http://www.nica.gov.ph/}}
{{Domestic national intelligence agencies}}


{{commons category|National Intelligence Coordinating Agency}}
[[Category:Politics of the Philippines]]

[[Category:Filipino intelligence agencies]]
{{External national intelligence agencies}}
[[Category:Government of the Philippines]]


[[Category:Philippine intelligence agencies]]
[[ceb:Nasodnong Ahensiya alang sa Koordinasyon sa Paniktik]]
[[Category:Government agencies under the Office of the President of the Philippines]]
[[fr:National Intelligence Coordinating Agency]]
[[Category:Government agencies established in 1949]]
[[Category:Intelligence analysis agencies]]
[[Category:Establishments by Philippine executive order]]

Latest revision as of 05:32, 8 November 2024

National Intelligence Coordinating Agency
Pambansang Ahensiya na Tagapag-Ugnay sa Pamalayan[1][2]
Official Seal
Agency overview
FormedJuly 10, 1949; 75 years ago (1949-07-10)
Preceding agencies
  • National Intelligence and Security Authority (NISA)
  • Civil Intelligence and Security Agency (CISA)
JurisdictionGovernment of the Philippines
HeadquartersQuezon City, Philippines
MottoKaalaman ay Kaligtasan
(Knowledge is Safety)
Agency executive
Parent agencyOffice of the President of the Philippines
Websitehttps://www.nica.gov.ph

The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) (Filipino: Pambansang Ahensiya na Tagapag-Ugnay sa Pamalayan) is the primary intelligence gathering and analysis arm of the Government of the Philippines in charge of carrying out overt, covert, and clandestine intelligence activities. The NICA directs, coordinates, and integrates all intelligence activities, both foreign and domestic, concerning national security,[2] serving as the leading intelligence collector of the national government, focusing on the country's strategic intelligence requirements. It is mandated to prepare intelligence estimate on local and foreign situation for the formulation of national security policies by the President and the National Security Council.[3]

The agency also serves as the focal point for the government's counterintelligence activities and operation; acts as Secretariat to the Anti-Terrorism Council; and serves as head of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict's Situation Awareness and Knowledge Management Cluster.[3][4]

The NICA is led by a Director-General, who reports directly to the President of the Philippines, and is assisted by two Deputy Director-Generals.[5] Its headquarters is located in Quezon City,[6] with regional offices located all over the country and foreign stations in countries of interest to the Philippine government.[7]

The National Intelligence Committee, chaired by the Director-General, serves as the advisory body of NICA.[5][8][9]

History

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Main office of NICA along V. Luna Avenue in Quezon City

Founded in 1949, the NICA was created by President Elpidio Quirino under the authority of Executive Order No. 235.[10] In 1954, the Government Survey and Reorganization Commission ordered the expansion of the powers of NICA.[8] The agency was reorganized in 1958 under Executive Order No. 291 by President Carlos P. Garcia.[11]

The NICA was abolished on November 16, 1972, by President Ferdinand Marcos under Presidential Decree No. 51, and was replaced by the National Intelligence and Security Authority (NISA), which was designated as the principal intelligence agency, and the Civil Intelligence and Security Agency (CISA), which was tasked with counterintelligence and supervision of all civil security units in Philippine government offices.[8] The NISA was then headed by Gen. Fabian Ver and was alleged to be responsible for various human rights abuses, primarily during the martial law period. The regime of President Marcos, through Gen. Ver, was believed to have used NISA to spy on, abduct and eliminate persons opposing the autocracy of President Marcos in the 1970s and the 1980s.[12] In 1978, the NISA was designated as the focal point for all intelligence activities involving national security and supervisor of other intelligence agencies under the Office of the President.[13]

In 1987, shortly after the People Power Revolution which had led to a peaceful removal of President Marcos from office, his successor President Corazon Aquino issued Executive Order No. 246 which abolished NISA and CISA and reestablished NICA.[5] The NICA then refocused its priorities in tackling the communist insurgency in the Philippines.[12]

In 1990, the National Security Advisor was given responsibility to oversee management and control of NICA to be responsive to the needs of the President and the National Security Council.[12][14]

NICA agents were responsible for the arrest of several Abu Sayyaf members, including Al Qaeda-linked bomber Abdulmukim Edris.[15]

In 2005, the agency established two directorates to conduct economic intelligence and counterintelligence activities.[16]

On February 1, 2006, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued Executive Order No. 492, which ordered the NICA to activate the National Maritime Aerial Reconnaissance and Surveillance Center (NMARSC). The NMARSC was designated as the primary imagery intelligence provider for the Philippine intelligence community and was tasked to operate unmanned aerial vehicles under the supervision and oversight of the National Security Adviser.[17]

On March 6, 2007, President Arroyo signed Republic Act No. 9372, also known as the Human Security Act of 2007, which designates the NICA as the Secretariat of the Anti-Terrorism Council (ATC).[18][19]

In 2011, Juan Ponce Enrile challenged President Aquino to declassify intelligence files from the former NISA.[20]

In 2018, then-House of Representatives Majority Floor Leader Rodolfo Fariñas filed House Bill No. 7111, also known as the Foreign Electronic Surveillance Act. The bill would have allowed NICA agents to covertly conduct electronic surveillance operations against foreign countries, terrorists and private groups without the need of having a warrant or a court order in an emergency situation.[21] A warrantless operation outside the Philippine territory would also need the approval by the Director-General of the NICA and the Secretary of the Department of Justice (DOJ).[21] However, since it was not enacted by the end of the 17th Congress, the bill is already considered "dead" in the House of Representatives Committee on National Defense and Security.

On June 3, 2020, President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11479, also known as the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, which repealed the Human Security Act of 2007. Pursuant to the Anti-Terrorism Act of 2020, the NICA remains as the Secretariat of the ATC. However, NICA has also now been tasked to provide its recommendation on an application for proscription seeking to declare any individual or group as a terrorist before the Court of Appeals. Such application for proscription may only be filed by the DOJ, subject to the authority of the ATC.

On January 3, 2024, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered a revamp to the NICA through Executive Order No. 54, which would create the Office of the Deputy Director General (ODDG) for Cyber and Emerging Threats to handle and address counter-intelligence and counter-measures against cybersecurity threats.[22]

Mandate

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The NICA is mandated to:[23]

  • conduct and coordinate national intelligence activities;
  • fulfill strategic intelligence needs of the Philippine government;
  • provide the National Intelligence Estimate for purposes of national security policymaking;
  • lead counterintelligence activities;
  • serve as the Secretariat of the Anti-Terrorism Council; and
  • serve as the Head of the Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management Cluster of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict.

Organization

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The NICA is organized into the following divisions and directorates:[24]

  • Office of the Director-General – led by the Director-General
  • Directorate of Operations – led by the Assistant Director-General for Operations
  • Directorate of Production – led by the Assistant Director-General for Production
  • Directorate of Administration – led by the Assistant Director-General for Administration
  • Management and Planning Office
  • Office of the Comptroller
  • In June, 2024, Marcos Jr. appointed Jesus Leonardo Auxilio as Executive director of the National Maritime Aerial Reconnaissance and Surveillance Center of the NICA.[25]
  • Various field stations in various regions – led by its respective Regional Directors[26]

Directors-General

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References

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  1. ^ Mga Pangalan ng Tanggapan ng Pamahalaan sa Filipino (PDF) (2013 ed.). Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino. 2013. p. 6. ISBN 978-971-0197-22-4. Archived from the original (PDF) on March 29, 2017. Retrieved April 9, 2020.
  2. ^ a b "About us".
  3. ^ a b "National Intelligence and Security Authority Mandate".
  4. ^ "About | NTF".
  5. ^ a b c PROVIDING FOR THE CREATION OF THE NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE COORDINATING AGENCY. Retrieved on July 24, 2007
  6. ^ "Directory of Department and Agencies – GOV.PH".
  7. ^ "National Intelligence and Security Authority Mission".
  8. ^ a b c "History of NICA". Archived from the original on June 2, 2003. Retrieved June 2, 2003.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link). Retrieved on December 27, 2007.
  9. ^ "Administrative Order No. 7" (PDF). Official Gazette. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  10. ^ "Executive Order No. 235, s. 1949". Archived from the original on May 14, 2019.
  11. ^ "Executive Order No. 291, s. 1958 | GOVPH". March 14, 1958. Archived from the original on August 10, 2019.
  12. ^ a b c "Comparative Criminology – Asia – Philippines". SDSU.edu. Archived from the original on May 18, 2013. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  13. ^ Letter of Instruction. No. 771 1978 officialgazette.gov.ph
  14. ^ "Evolving security threats". The Philippine STAR.
  15. ^ "CNN – Breaking News, Latest News and Videos". CNN.com. November 14, 2002. Archived from the original on March 29, 2008. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
  16. ^ "Committee News – House of Representatives of the Philippines". Archived from the original on June 4, 2011.
  17. ^ "State of Surveillance in the Philippines". March 6, 2016.
  18. ^ "Archived copy" (PDF). senate.gov.ph. Archived from the original (PDF) on June 16, 2019. Retrieved January 11, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  19. ^ "National Intelligence Coordinating Agency". Archived from the original on November 19, 2019.
  20. ^ "Enrile wants gov't to declassify NISA reports". The Philippine STAR.
  21. ^ a b "Fariñas seeks gov't power to spy on foreign entities | Inquirer News". Archived from the original on June 26, 2018.
  22. ^ "Marcos orders NICA reorganization amid 'evolving threats to nat'l security'". January 23, 2024.
  23. ^ "Mandate - National Intelligence Coordinating Agency". National Intelligence Coordinating Agency. Retrieved October 2, 2022.
  24. ^ "Executive Order No. 292 [BOOK IV/Title VIII/Subtitle I/Chapter 3-National Intelligence Coordinating Agency] | GOVPH". July 25, 1987.
  25. ^ Cervantes, Filane Mikee (June 13, 2024). "Palace bares new PBBM appointees". Philippine News Agency. Retrieved June 29, 2024.
  26. ^ "NICA briefs government communicators on whole-of-nation approach". Philippine Information Agency.
  27. ^ "NSA Carlos gets different deputy, defends own nominees". The Philippine STAR.
  28. ^ "NICA chief echoes Duterte, says Reds make billions". August 2, 2021.
  29. ^ "List of Foreign Participants". satp.org. Retrieved January 26, 2017.
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