SENATE Minority Leader Alan Peter Cayetano has deplored the apparent failure of both military and police leaderships in stopping criminal groups from carrying out bombings in Mindanao amid the “huge” amount of intelligence funds given to them.

He noted that in 2011 the Armed Forces was given P124.397 million in confidential and intelligence funds while the Philippine National Police was allotted P270.029 million. For the proposed 2012 budget, the PNP’s budget is still pegged at P270.029 million while the AFP’s budget is slated to increase to P136.397 million.

”With intelligence funds this big, why are these agencies still unable to get to the masterminds of these bombings and put a stop to continuing acts of terrorism in the country?” Cayetano asked.

He said that the failure of government to stabilize peace and order particularly in Mindanao is one of the major factors why foreign investments and development of the local economy continue to be hampered.

“If our own citizens do not feel secure in their own country, how can we expect investors to come in? If investors become scarce, how can we expect to boost the country’s economy?” Cayetano stressed.

”Must we wait for a VIP (very important person) to be harmed before our law enforcers intensify their intelligence efforts? I have no doubt our soldiers and policemen have the capability to act swiftly and effectively but why aren’t we seeing the results?”  he asked.

He urged the leaders of both the PNP and AFP to step up their intelligence gathering in order to justify the millions of funds they receive for this purpose. “Show us that the taxpayers’ money is being used for its intended purpose. Show us the results Use your intelligence funds and safeguard our country better,” Cayetano said.    Bernadette E. Tamayo