28/07/2026
44TH ASEANAPOL ENDS WITH STRONGER REGIONAL PACT VS TRANSNATIONAL CRIME
The Philippine National Police (PNP) capped the successful hosting of the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference with ASEAN police leaders unanimously adopting a Joint Communiqué that charts a stronger, more coordinated regional response against transnational crime, reaffirming the Philippines' leadership in advancing law enforcement cooperation across Southeast Asia.
During the Second Plenary Session held on July 25 in Manila, the Heads of Delegation of ASEANAPOL Member Countries, together with Dialogue Partners, Observers, and the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, reached a consensus on key measures to deepen intelligence sharing, strengthen joint police operations, expand capacity-building initiatives, and harness modern technology to address crimes that increasingly transcend national borders.
The agreements cover the region's priority security concerns, including illicit drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, trafficking in persons, wildlife crime, financial crime, cybercrime, and maritime crime. Member countries likewise committed to enhancing the Electronic ASEANAPOL Database System, strengthening forensic and investigative cooperation, improving mutual legal assistance mechanisms, and expanding specialized training among police organizations.
The conference also approved several significant institutional initiatives, including the admission of the National Police of Timor-Leste as the 11th ASEANAPOL Member Country, further reinforcing regional solidarity and cooperation against evolving security threats.
Beyond the agreements reached, the successful conclusion of the conference highlighted the Philippines' role in bringing regional police organizations together to build practical and lasting partnerships. The strengthened cooperation is expected to support faster information exchange, closer operational coordination, and more effective action against criminal networks that operate across borders.
The outcome of the conference reinforces the PNP Focused Agenda on Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes intelligence-driven, technology-enabled, and collaborative policing. It also supports the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to strengthen international partnerships in safeguarding peace and security while addressing emerging transnational threats through coordinated law enforcement efforts.
Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., Chief, Philippine National Police, said the conference demonstrated that regional security is built on trust, cooperation, and shared responsibility among neighboring police organizations.
"Ipinakita ng 44th ASEANAPOL Conference na mas malakas tayo kapag nagtutulungan. Ang mga banta ngayon ay mas mabilis, mas kumplikado, at hindi na limitado sa iisang bansa. Kaya ganoon din dapat ang ating tugon—mas mabilis ang koordinasyon, mas bukas ang palitan ng impormasyon, at mas matatag ang ating pagtutulungan para sa kapayapaan at seguridad ng ating rehiyon," PGen Nartatez said.
"This conference is not the finish line—it is the starting point for stronger regional action. The partnerships we strengthened in Manila will help our police organizations respond more effectively to today's evolving security challenges while keeping our communities safe," he added.
As the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference concluded, the Philippines leaves behind a stronger platform for regional police cooperation founded on mutual trust, operational excellence, and innovation. Guided by "Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat at Nararamdaman," the PNP remains committed to working with its regional and international partners in building safer communities and preserving peace and security across the region.
(PNP-PIO)
