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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.
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.
Current
Tasks
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 vehicles or UAVs to cater to the
imagery intelligence demands of various government agencies. | 
