National Security: In Retrospect and Prospects

Brigadier General Galileo C Kintanar (Ret), with his vast wealth of knowledge and experiences in critical thinking and as intelligence operative, has written a number of books and monographs on security and counter-insurgency issues. His latest product, National Security in Retrospect and Prospects, is a candid assessment of our country’s national security situation featuring a review of historical events which shaped the contemporary state of national security, present situation, and his outlook of security situation in the future including Supreme Court’s decision on controversies with national security implications as well as legislative measures in the pipeline that have national security impact. In writing this book, the author aims to generate interest among readers with the ultimate objective of contributing to a better management of national security affairs.

I agree with the majority of the author’s views and comments on the different subjects discussed in the book – historical backdrop, ending insurgency, Supreme Court’s decision with national security implications, calibrated preemptive response, EO 464, PP1017, G05, military adventurism and misconduct, anti-terror law, prospects, etc. – for they are adequately supported by great wealth of facts assembled through extensive research. There are only a few issues in the book that I cannot agree with the author, among others:

A.The possibility of institutionalizing the present “community immersion” of AFP personnel in urban communities. I believe that military personnel are more effective when deployed in the countryside fighting the insurgents and other threats rather than being deployed in the urban centers. Let us leave the maintenance of peace and security in these communities to the police and other security forces.

B.That during military training, more emphasis should be given to enabling subordinates to determine the lawfulness of their superior’s orders, on the basis of which they may be allowed to refuse to obey such orders. I still believe that discipline and obedience should be the premium of military training. Otherwise, we will produce undisciplined, complain-prone and comfort-oriented individuals.

C.That the best solution to separatism in Mindanao is to change the government from presidential to federal. I strongly believe that there is no need to change the system of government at this point in time. Pursuing the peace talks with the separatists groups, a comprehensive development plan and prompt delivery of basic services might be better solutions to the problem.

In conclusion, this is an updated and comprehensive book, obviously a result of extensive research and independent insights of the author. BGen Kintanar (Ret), who is not beholden to anybody, has no hesitation to criticize some policies adopted by our government. He does not care if his views and comments offend anybody, even the most powerful person in the country, for the sake of contributing to national security and stability.

His encouragement for us to “think out of the box” is a welcome approach in these times of asymmetric warfare and terrorism. The defense establishment as well as public administration officials should adopt this idea.

This book is a must-read for national security leaders including the Chief Executive.