Malacañang receives ASEANAPOL leaders, reaffirms support for stronger regional law enforcement cooperation

The Philippine National Police (PNP), under the leadership of Police General Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., participated in the Meet and Greet of the Chiefs of Police of the ASEANAPOL Member Countries held on July 23, 2026, at the Office of the Executive Secretary in Malacañang. The engagement formed part of the official program of the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference hosted by the Philippines.

The engagement highlighted the Philippines’ commitment to strengthening regional law enforcement partnerships and reinforcing cooperation among ASEAN police organizations in addressing shared security challenges.

Representing President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto welcomed the Chiefs of Police and senior delegates from the ten ASEANAPOL Member Countries—Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. During the engagement, each Head of Police was formally introduced to the Executive Secretary and presented a commemorative token as a gesture of friendship and enduring partnership between the Philippines and the ASEAN law enforcement community.

In his message, Executive Secretary Recto underscored the immense responsibility entrusted to the Chiefs of Police, emphasizing that the safety and security of the peoples of ASEAN rest on their collective leadership and steadfast commitment to protecting their respective nations. He likewise reaffirmed the importance of sustained regional cooperation in addressing transnational crimes, including cybercrime, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, online child sexual exploitation, fraud-related offenses, asset recovery, and other forms of organized criminality that require coordinated action among ASEAN law enforcement agencies.

In his message, Executive Secretary Recto underscored the vital role of ASEAN police leaders in safeguarding the peoples of the region and emphasized the importance of sustained regional cooperation in addressing transnational crimes, including cybercrime, illicit drug trafficking, trafficking in persons, online child sexual exploitation, fraud-related offenses, asset recovery, and other forms of organized criminality that require coordinated regional action.

“Regional security is strengthened when law enforcement agencies build lasting partnerships founded on trust, professionalism, and a common commitment to protect our people. Together, we are better equipped to confront security threats that transcend national borders,” PGEN Nartatez said.

The engagement reflects the PNP’s commitment to strengthening international law enforcement cooperation under its Focused Agenda, particularly through Enhanced Managing Police Operations, which promotes closer collaboration with regional and international partners to address evolving security threats.

“Every opportunity to engage with our counterparts reinforces our shared resolve to uphold the rule of law and build a safer future for the ASEAN community. These enduring partnerships remain vital in addressing both present and emerging security challenges,” PGEN Nartatez added.

The Philippines, through the Philippine National Police in partnership with the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, is hosting the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference from July 22 to 26, 2026, at the Manila Marriott Hotel, Newport World Resorts in Pasay City, under the theme “United in Vision: Securing People and Strengthening Collaboration.” The conference brings together Chiefs of Police, senior law enforcement officials from ASEANAPOL Member Countries, Dialogue Partners, Observer Organizations, and invited participants to strengthen operational cooperation, enhance information sharing, and advance coordinated responses against transnational crime across the region.

As host of the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference, the Philippine National Police reaffirms its commitment to strengthening regional law enforcement cooperation in support of a safer and more secure ASEAN, consistent with the vision of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for a peaceful, secure, and resilient region. Guided by its Focused Agenda, the PNP remains steadfast in advancing Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.