National Intelligence Coordinating Agency(NICA)

I seek to understand the protocols of the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) when dealing with surveillance requests for Philippine citizens by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

Specifically:

1) Procedure followed when receiving such requests.
2) Safeguards in place for the surveilled individual's rights.
3) Protocols for terminating such surveillance.

I am aware of potential sensitivities around this topic,

I request that you provide as much information as legally possible. If any part of my request is denied please justify by referencing specific exemptions.

July 31, 2023

Dear [REDACTED NAME],

Greetings!

Thank you for your request dated Jul 17, 2023 08:34:00 PM under Executive Order No. 2 (s. 2016) on Freedom of Information in the Executive Branch.

Your request

You asked for Protocols on Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) surveillance requests.

Response to your request

While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance this Office does not have  the information you have requested. This office is not involve in any Surveillance activity to foreign or local individuals. The main function of our office is Coordination and Liaising with other government offices.

Please, also check the name of the ID submitted for this request in the name of [REDACTED NAME]. It is different with the owner of the request named [REDACTED NAME].
 
Thank you.

Respectfully,

Manny de Castro
FOI Officer

Dear Mr. Manny de Castro,

Thank you for your response.

Regarding my original request for the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency's (NICA) procedures in dealing with surveillance requests from the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), I understand your office might not be directly involved in such operations. However, as the General Director of Baguio and other officials stated, NICA is often the first point of contact for foreign intelligence agencies such as the CIA in requesting surveillance on Philippine citizens. Consequently, NICA plays a role in assigning this request to the appropriate government institution like the Army or PNP.

I'd appreciate it if you could point me in the direction of the relevant department or individual that could provide this information. My aim is to understand the safeguards and protocols in place to protect the rights of Philippine citizens in such situations. If any of this request is denied, I kindly request specific exemptions to be referenced.

Thank you for your assistance, and I look forward to your prompt response.

Best Regards,
[REDACTED NAME]