24/07/2026
44TH ASEANAPOL CONFERENCE OPENS, PROMOTING UNITY FOR A STRONGER ASEANAPOL COMMUNITY
The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., welcomed Chiefs of Police and senior delegates from the ten ASEANAPOL Member Countries—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam—as the Philippines officially opened the 44th ASEAN National Police (ASEANAPOL) Conference, reaffirming its commitment to stronger regional law enforcement cooperation.
Anchored on the theme, "United in Vision: Securing People and Strengthening Collaboration," this year's conference highlights the collective commitment of ASEAN police organizations to deepen cooperation, strengthen institutional partnerships, and enhance coordinated responses against transnational crime and other evolving security challenges confronting the region.
Hosted by the Philippines, the conference serves as ASEANAPOL's highest policymaking forum, providing an avenue for member police organizations to exchange best practices, reinforce operational collaboration, and discuss common strategies in addressing terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, illicit drug trafficking, financial crimes, environmental crimes, and other transnational offenses that transcend national borders.
The opening ceremony was graced by Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Juanito Victor C. Remulla as Guest of Honor and Speaker. The program featured arrival honors for the Heads of Police and official delegations, cultural performances celebrating the Philippines' rich heritage, and the formal opening of the conference, reaffirming the country's commitment to advancing regional peace, stability, and security through stronger law enforcement cooperation.
The conference formally commenced with its First Plenary Session, during which delegates approved the conference agenda and organizational matters, received reports from the previous conference chairmanship, and officially marked the turnover of the ASEANAPOL Chairmanship from the Royal Thai Police to the Philippine National Police.
The Heads of Delegation also convened to discuss matters concerning the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, ongoing regional initiatives, and other organizational concerns that will guide the conference deliberations over the next three days. Dialogue sessions with ASEANAPOL partners likewise underscored the importance of sustained cooperation and information sharing in addressing cross-border criminality.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police and Chairperson of the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference, emphasized that regional solidarity remains essential in confronting today's increasingly complex security environment.
"It is a great honor for the Philippine National Police to host the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference and welcome our counterparts from across Southeast Asia. Guided by this year's theme, 'Unity Towards a Stronger ASEANAPOL Community,' we reaffirm our shared responsibility to strengthen cooperation, build mutual trust, and enhance our collective capability to address transnational crimes that threaten the safety and security of our people. No single nation can confront these challenges alone, but together, through sustained collaboration and shared commitment, we can build a safer, more secure, and more resilient ASEAN community," PGen Nartatez said.
The Chief PNP also expressed his appreciation to all ASEANAPOL member countries, dialogue partners, observer organizations, participating government agencies, and every member of the Philippine National Police whose dedication and professionalism contributed to the successful opening of the conference.
The 44th ASEANAPOL Conference will continue until July 25, with plenary sessions, committee meetings, and policy discussions expected to further strengthen regional law enforcement cooperation and reinforce ASEANAPOL's enduring role in promoting peace, security, and stability across Southeast Asia—an undertaking that reflects the Philippine National Police's commitment to Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
