Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 3) — National Security Adviser Hermogenes Esperon Jr. insisted on Friday there was no failure of intelligence in the Marawi crisis – even as he admitted reports might not have been appreciated.
“Some might not have been appreciated, but… there are many more big incidents around the world in countries that have, as you might say, the best intelligence-but how come these things are happening?” Esperon told CNN Philippines’ The Source.
“Is there a perfect intelligence?” he added. “I’m not making that as an alibi, but we have intelligence and we work on the basis of that.”
The Marawi crisis broke out after government forces clashed with the Islamic State (ISIS)-inspired Maute group last May 23. The encounter prompted President Rodrigo Duterte to declare martial law in Mindanao.
RELATED: Marawi crisis timeline
Authorities called the entry of Maute group members into Marawi a diversion as the military moved to catch Abu Sayyaf Group leader Isnilon Hapilon, who had pledged allegiance to ISIS.
“There was good intelligence as far as I’m concerned… we were able to pinpoint a safehouse where Isnilon was,” said Esperon.
He added that the division commander had started planning “the neutralization” of the safehouse.
“That alone will tell you there was intelligence,” he added. “But as to how you put your forces on the ground considering everything – there would be some differences in opinion, but overall we had intelligence.”
When asked about admitting to the failure of appreciating evidence, Esperon replied, “That’s… commandership on the ground, and everyone could have some lapses.”
Some lawmakers, including Senators Miguel Zubiri and Panfilo Lacson, previously slammed the crisis as a “failure of intelligence.” However, Sen. Gringo Honasan said it was a “failure of coordination” instead.
Esperon also backed Duterte’s controversial proclamation of martial law, which sparked fears of potential military abuse from critics.
“We should look at the martial law in Mindanao or the Marawi incident not as a law enforcement problem. It should be looked at on the basis of national security considerations,” said Esperon.
