The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday formalized a partnership with the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) for the implementation of the Criminal Investigation Data Management and Analysis System (CIDMAS), a major step toward modernizing crime investigation and law enforcement operations in the country.

Through the signing of the Records of Discussion (ROD), the DILG, PNP, and KOICA committed to developing a unified and data-driven investigative system that will strengthen police operational efficiency, coordination, and crime analysis capabilities.

The DILG said CIDMAS will consolidate crime investigation databases into a single platform, replacing fragmented systems that often require repeated data entry and manual verification. Once operational, the system is expected to provide investigators faster access to critical information, improve monitoring and coordination, and support quicker case resolution and crime prevention efforts.

DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla thanked the South Korean government for its continued partnership with the Philippines, underscoring the longstanding relationship between the two nations.

“It shows that today, wherever our fortunes may go, for whatever happens, our countries go a long way. Korea and the Philippines remain partners. And we shall remain partners no matter what happens,” Remulla said.

Meanwhile, Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-Hwa commended the DILG and the PNP for the implementation of the Safer Cities Initiative, noting the more than 16 percent decline in crime rate recorded during the first 43 days of implementation.

The agreement was signed by Remulla, PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., KOICA Philippines Director Jung Youngsun, KOICA Deputy Country Director Lee Hwayeon, and PNP Acting Director for Investigation and Detective Management PBGen Matthew Baccay.

Also witnessing the ceremonial signing were DILG Assistant Secretary Lilian De Leon, officials from KOICA and the Korean Embassy, and members of the PNP.