21/05/2026
PNP TO HOST 44TH ASEANAPOL CONFERENCE 2026 IN MANILA
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is set to host the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference from July 22 to 26, 2026 at the Manila Marriott Hotel, bringing together the Chiefs of Police and senior law enforcement leaders of ASEAN member countries, along with dialogue partners and observers, in a high-level regional forum focused on strengthening cooperation and coordination in policing.
Anchored on the theme “United in Vision: Securing People and Strengthening Collaboration,” the conference will serve as a key platform for dialogue, decision-making, and the formulation of strategic resolutions on shared security concerns, including transnational crimes, cyber-related threats, human trafficking, illegal drugs, and other challenges affecting peace and order across the region.
The ASEANAPOL Conference, held annually on a rotational basis among member countries, continues to provide a vital avenue for cooperation, collaboration, and sustained partnerships among police organizations in Southeast Asia. Its core objectives include enhancing police professionalism, forging stronger regional cooperation in law enforcement, and promoting lasting friendship among officers of member nations.
The ASEANAPOL community is composed of ten member countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. The organization traces its roots to its five founding core members—the Philippines, Thailand, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Singapore—in 1981, with subsequent expansion over the years as other ASEAN states joined to strengthen regional security collaboration.
As host country, the Philippines is given the responsibility to lead discussions and facilitate cooperation among participating delegations, reaffirming its long-standing commitment to regional policing partnerships. This milestone hosting also highlights the country’s continued active role since it first hosted the inaugural ASEANAPOL Conference in 1981, followed by subsequent hosting in 1987, 1993, 2003, and 2014.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has consistently underscored the importance of regional cooperation in maintaining peace and stability, aligning with the country’s broader diplomatic and security priorities in Southeast Asia.
For his part, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. expressed confidence in the PNP’s readiness to successfully host the international gathering.
“We consider the hosting of the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference as both an honor and a responsibility. This is an opportunity to further strengthen trust, coordination, and interoperability among our police forces in the region. Makakaasa po ang ating mga kapatid na pulis sa ASEAN na handa ang PNP na maglingkod at makipagtulungan para sa mas ligtas na komunidad,” he said.
The PNP noted that the hosting of ASEANAPOL 2026 supports its Focused Agenda under Enhanced Managing Police Operations, reinforcing efforts to improve coordination, operational efficiency, and regional engagement in addressing security concerns.
As the Philippines prepares to welcome its ASEAN counterparts, the event stands as a reaffirmation of collective commitment to shared peace and stability in the region, guided by the principle of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman,” reflecting a modern, responsive, and service-oriented police institution.
(PNP-PIO)
