National Intelligence Coordinating Agency

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The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency or NICA is the primary intelligence collection and analysis arm of the Philippine government in charge in carrying out overt, covert, and clandestine intelligence programs. The current head of the Agency is General Cesar Garcia. Its motto is Ang Karunungan ay Kaligtasan (translated "Knowledge is Security").

Presently, NICA is in close coordination with the CIA, Mossad and intelligence services of ASEAN countries to counter the threat of terrorism.

[edit] History

Formerly known as the National Intelligence and Security Authority, headed by General Fabian Ver, it was primarily used to track down and eliminate anti-Marcos opponents and eliminate them. It was one of main government organizations accused of human rights abuses. After the 1st EDSA Revolution, it was renamed the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency in 1987 when the Philippine Constitution was revamped.

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.

[edit] Current Tasks

Executive Order Number 492[1] 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 vehicles or UAVs to cater to the imagery intelligence demands of various government agencies.