The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Thursday called for stronger cooperation among Southeast Asian police forces to combat the growing threat of transnational crimes, particularly cyber-enabled scams and online fraud, as it opened the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference in the Philippines at the Marriott Hotel in Newport, Pasay City.

Addressing delegates during the opening ceremony, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said transnational crimes have become increasingly sophisticated, technology-driven, and borderless, making closer regional collaboration more urgent than ever.

“We will continue to support initiatives that enhance intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and capacity building among our police institutions,” Remulla said.

The DILG Chief noted that cross-border threats have become more networked, adaptive, and technology-driven, posing major security challenges across the ASEAN region. These include drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, trafficking in persons, wildlife crime, cybercrime, financial crime, maritime-related offenses, and cyber-enabled scams.

He stressed that no single country can confront these evolving threats alone, underscoring ASEANAPOL’s vital role in strengthening intelligence sharing, operational coordination, and mutual trust among police organizations in Southeast Asia.

Remulla reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment to advancing regional law enforcement cooperation through stronger intelligence exchange, joint operations, and capacity-building initiatives.

“Guided by the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., we continue to work closely with our neighbors and international partners to strengthen law enforcement collaboration, enhance collective capabilities, and build safer, more secure, and more resilient communities across the region,” he said.

For his part, Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the PNP remains fully committed to working alongside its ASEAN counterparts in strengthening intelligence sharing, enhancing operational cooperation, building institutional capabilities, and embracing innovation to address emerging security threats.

“Together we can better protect our people and preserve peace and security of our region,” Nartatez said.

With the theme “United in Vision: Securing People and Strengthening Collaboration,” the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference, taking place from July 22 to 26, brings together police leaders from the 10 ASEAN Member States to reinforce partnerships and collective action against regional security threats.

Also participating are ASEANAPOL Dialogue Partners and Observers, whose continued engagement for more than four decades reflects a shared commitment to promoting peace, security, and stability across Southeast Asia.