INFORMATION SUPPORT AFFAIRS (ISA)

“The most supreme art of war is to subdue the enemy without fighting.”

-SUN TZU

Our instructor is from the Philippine Army, 11th Civil Military Operations (KAUGNAYAN) Battalion; LTC GENE ORENSE INF (GSC) PA.

It was discussed and explained to us during the lecture about the relationship of the CMO triangle, wherein it consists of three pillars: the ISA (Information Support Affairs), the CA (Civil Affairs), and the PA (Public Affairs). The CMO triangle is an equilateral triangle because they have equal importance in the CMO as a whole. Indeed, all three pillars have different functions and significance in the conduct of CMO, and they cannot be mixed up altogether since they have different targets. However, they must complement each other for a more effective CMO. In the triangle, it is not necessary that the ISA (Information Support Affairs) pillar be the top priority. It can be interchangeable or alternative depending on the situation of the area or community, or it depends upon the security level of the area of responsibility. It is only in times of war or armed conflict that the ISA is on the priority level, because its target is mainly the enemy during combat or non-combat operations. Since peace and order are prevalent in our regions, community affairs and public affairs are at the top of the priority list, and it does not necessarily mean that the CMO operators will become lax and do nothing because there are preemptive and proactive measures to prevent an armed conflict from happening arising from both domestic arousal, such as the Communist terrorist groups and their supporters, and also the involvement of foreign terrorist groups, such as the Marawi incident, where the ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria) influenced the Maute group.

Information Support Affairs is also composed of deception and psychological operations geared towards the enemy. Its objectives are to reinforce the favorable attitudes and behaviors of the masses; redirect the unfavorable attitudes and behaviors of the people or target and make them favorable through the efforts of the AFP or PNP; and transform neutral or passive attitudes and behaviors into favorable ones. The public affair is also complementing itself by building good working relationships with the general public. It speaks only of the truth, unlike the information support affairs and community affairs. It also builds relationships among the community through the local chief executives, such as the municipal and city mayors. In this regard, the CMO pillar works together depending on the circumstances of the situation. It is critical to know the current situation and issues that emanate from the general public or the community and to subdue the enemy or adversary effectively without firing a single shot.

The Information Supports Affair is conducted and geared towards the enemy. It has three objectives that may help both the AFP and PNP missions end the CPP-NPA-NDF. In a community, some people have favorable attitudes and behaviors, which the organization can reinforce by winning their hearts and minds. On the other hand, some people also have unfavorable attitudes and behaviors because of the false orientation given to them by the communist terrorist group, and the ISA aims to redirect them to a favorable attitude and behavior. In addition, some people are also neutral or passive, meaning they have no interest in what’s happening around them. However, they are still considered a potential threat once ignored by the government, as they can be influenced by the enemy and turn against the government. Therefore, preemptive efforts in conducting the psychological operation can be geared toward those three target groups.

The ISA operation can also win the war effectively without spilling blood or taking lives. It may be counterpropaganda that is geared towards communist propaganda. However, the difference between conducting this ISA and conducting a clearing operation or armed operation is that when the enemy is killed in a battle or encounter, more chances of revenge and hatred will rise against the government. On the other hand, the ISA operation can also end an armed conflict through deeds and words without even firing a single shot, but it can also win the war or make the enemy surrender. Needless to say, there will be no blood spilling or killing on the opposition. Thus, the commander should be an expert in negotiations and gaining the trust of the enemy through counterpropaganda efforts. ISA is effective in civil military operations because there is a psychological impact when you try to influence the mind of your enemy through words and deeds.