PNP, Australia partners to strengthen fight vs transnational crimes

The Philippine National Police (PNP) has strengthened its partnership with the Australian government to boost efforts against child exploitation, cybercrime, terrorism, and transnational organized crime.

In a statement Sunday, PNP Acting Chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the initiative aims to deepen international cooperation and enhance the PNP’s capacity to address cross-border threats.

On 23 October, Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Marc Innes-Brown led a delegation in a courtesy call on Nartatez at the OCPNP Lounge, Camp Crame. He was joined by Commander Craig Palmer, Australian Federal Police (AFP) Commander for Southeast Asia, and Detective Superintendent Brad Marden, AFP Officer/Counsellor in Manila.

The PNP delegation included Maj. Gen. Wilson Joseph Lopez, director for intelligence; Brig. Gen. Bernard Yang, acting director of the Anti-Cybercrime Group; Brig. Gen. Cresenciano Landicho, officer in charge of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management; Brig. Gen. Maria Sheila Portento, chief of the Women and Children Protection Center; and Col. Roger Bilibli, chief of the Foreign Liaison Division, Directorate for Intelligence.

During the meeting, both sides discussed strategies to enhance collaboration through intelligence sharing, capacity building, and technology-driven operations.

“We discussed ways to enhance our partnership in combating child exploitation, cybercrime, terrorism, and organized criminal activities,” Nartatez said.

“Both the PNP and the Australian Federal Police recognize the importance of intelligence sharing, capacity building, and technology-driven solutions to strengthen our joint operations,” he added.

Nartatez expressed appreciation for Australia’s continued support of PNP initiatives aimed at improving technical skills and investigative capabilities.

“Our partnership with Australian law enforcement, particularly the Australian Federal Police, remains very strong and productive,” he said. “Through this collaboration, we are not only protecting Filipinos but also contributing to regional peace and security.”

The PNP chief reaffirmed the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and Australia and reiterated the organization’s commitment to international cooperation in maintaining peace and order.

“The PNP stands ready and committed to collaborating with our international counterparts in addressing transnational threats. Together, we fight for peace, security, and justice—not only in the Philippines, but across the region,” Nartatez said.