Establishment and Scope of the MARS Program
- Creation of the Maritime Aerial Reconnaissance and Surveillance (MARS) Program geared towards reconnaissance over maritime zones and terrestrial areas.
- The program aims to enhance near real-time video gathering and information for decision-making.
- Utilizes modern reconnaissance technologies to support law enforcement in achieving high accuracy and situational awareness for swift interdiction.
Role of NICA as Technical Operator
- The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency (NICA) acts as the technical operator of the MARS system.
- Authorized to procure or lease UAVs and establish the National Maritime Aerial Reconnaissance and Surveillance Center (NMARSC).
- NMARSC is a multi-agency body responsible for overall coordination of national reconnaissance and surveillance operations.
- NICA can request personnel secondment from other agencies; NMARSC is supervised by ONSA.
Joint Use and Cost Sharing Mechanism
- The implementation of MARS is to be through joint use among multiple government agencies.
- ONSA formulates terms of reference and facilitates memoranda of understanding among participating agencies.
- ONSA ensures efficient UAV utilization via a Utilization Plan coordinated with beneficiary agencies.
Identification of Beneficiary Agencies
- Agencies required to participate and share costs include:
- DOTC and Philippine Coast Guard
- DOF and Bureau of Customs
- DILG and Philippine National Police
- DND, Office of Civil Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines
- DENR, Forest Management Bureau, National Mapping Resources Information Authority
- DA and Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources
- DOE, DPWH, DOT, DTI, and NICA
- ONSA facilitates technical working groups with agency representatives.
Financial Responsibilities
- Beneficiary agencies must shoulder costs based on actual use and proportional maintenance expenses.
- Projected use costs should be included in their annual budget plans for the General Appropriations Act.
Legal and Administrative Provisions
- Repeals or modifies inconsistent executive issuances or regulations.
- Contains a separability clause preserving valid provisions if any part is declared invalid or unconstitutional.
Initial Funding and Effectivity
- Department of Budget and Management is directed to release an initial fund of Five Million Pesos from the President's Contingency Fund for activation and training.
- The Executive Order takes effect immediately upon issuance.