Asean police chiefs vow closer cooperation

The Association of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) forged a commitment for closer ties to address drug-trafficking and transnational commercial fraud in the region.

A joint communiqué for the closer ties was signed by the delegation heads of member-agencies during the closing rites of the 21st ASEANAPOL conference held in Vientiane, Laos last week.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Leandro Mendoza said police chiefs in the region exchanged notes on transnational syndicates believed to be involved in various types of fraud.

Mendoza said ASEANAPOL members expressed concern over credit card and bank fraud, computer crimes, human smuggling and counterfeiting which continue to plague the region.

ASEANAPOL maintains a database on transnational syndicates, fugitives and wanted persons.

Mendoza headed the Philippine delegation which included PNP logistics chief Director Cecillo Penilla; comptroller Director Reynaldo Velasco; Chief Superintendent Ricardo de Leon, director for plans; Chief Superintendent Florencio Fianza, director for human resources and doctrines development; and Director Clyde Fernandez, chief of the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime.

Mendoza said police agencies all over the region have also expressed continued concern over the drug-trafficking problem.

The PNP chief briefed ASEANAPOL members on the drug-trafficking situation in the country, including the arrest of nine Chinese nationals who were caught with some 1,000 kilos of metamphetamine hydrochloride or shabu. – Christina Mendez