PNP, Fujian boost fight vs transnational crime

MANILA, Philippines — Despite territorial disputes over the West Philippine Sea, the Philippines and China have forged a stronger partnership in the fight against transnational crime.

The alliance was formalized during a meeting between Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. and Fujian Provincial Public Security Department executive director general Wang Xizhang at the PNP headquarters at Camp Crame on Tuesday.

Nartatez and Wang tackled intelligence sharing and law enforcement cooperation between the two sides.

For Nartatez, the meeting reaffirms the longstanding partnership between Philippine and Chinese law enforcement agencies in the campaign against transnational crime as well as groups involved in cybercrimes and kidnapping.

“We want every police office to be better equipped to investigate transnational crime, respond to cyber threats and strengthen intelligence gathering through internationally accepted practices,” Nartatez said in a statement.

Officials from both sides underscored the importance of sustained dialogue, intelligence sharing and capacity-building programs to address evolving security threats.

“There will be no safe haven for transnational criminals. We will continue working closely with our international counterparts to track, investigate and bring offenders to justice,” Nartatez said.