CIDG receives new tools vs cyber terror from US

To help boost the Philippine National Police’s capability to gather evidence on cyber terrorism, the US State Department formally donated yesterday tools and equipment at Camp Crame.

US Ambassador to the Philippines Francis Ricciardone Jr. led the turnover of equipment and blessing of the new anti-terrorism center at Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

Ambassador J. Cofer Black, head of the Office of the Coordinator for Counterterrorism, also vowed to enhance further relations between the United States and the Philippines’ on cyber-training programs.

The donation came barely a month after US President George Bush went to the Philippines for a state visit and vowed to help the Arroyo government in the global fight against terror.

CIDG deputy chief Senior Superintendent Charlemagne Alejandrino welcomed the donation of surveillance equipment, saying it will further boost the PNP’s anti-terror campaign.

Black said the donation of equipment is a "jumpstart for forensic evidence-gathering" in the country, and that they will help law enforcers in the recovery of "digital evidence."

The US official also expressed optimism that training local law enforcers on cyber terrorism would enhance their ability in tracking down possible transactions by terrorist groups through the Internet or computer technology.

In his brief speech, Black also said the recent donation was a product of a "long standing relationship" between the two countries. He stressed that the Philippines is "one of the most reliable countries in the campaign against terrorism."

The US State Department is the lead agency dealing with international terrorism and Black’s office has primary responsibility in developing, coordinating, and implementing the US counterterrorism policy.

In his acceptance speech, PNP chief Director General Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. cited that the US State Department’s move was just the beginning of "significant progress" in the RP-US cooperation.

Ebdane also recognized the challenge which the PNP is facing on terrorism and crime via cyberspace. He added that both the US and the Philippines have the common agenda in the fight against terrorism.