The Philippine National Police (PNP) has launched a new “Chinese Desk” to strengthen coordination and response in the country’s campaign against transnational crimes.

The initiative, established in partnership with the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) and the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, was inaugurated on 28 October in Binondo, Manila.

PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the Chinese Desk will serve as a mechanism to enhance inter-agency cooperation and improve law enforcement coordination on crimes that cross national borders, including kidnapping, scamming, and other activities linked to organized crime groups.

“Through this desk, we can respond swiftly and effectively to incidents involving Chinese nationals while maintaining full respect for our laws and due process,” Nartatez said.

He added that the initiative also aims to promote trust and ensure the safety of both the Filipino-Chinese community and the general public.

“Layunin po natin na mapabilis ang koordinasyon at mapalakas ang ugnayan ng mga ahensya para masugpo ang mga sindikatong kumikilos sa loob ng ating bansa. Hindi po ito para sa iisang grupo lamang, kundi para maprotektahan ang lahat ng mamamayan, Filipino man o banyaga, laban sa kriminalidad,” (“Our goal is to speed up coordination and strengthen cooperation among agencies to suppress syndicates operating within our country. This is not meant for one group alone, but to protect all citizens, Filipino or foreign, from criminality.”) Nartatez said.

The Chinese Embassy has provided authorities with an initial list of 27 missing Chinese nationals in the Philippines. Security agencies are cross-matching the information with their databases to determine the individuals’ status and possible whereabouts.

According to Nartatez, the PNP is closely coordinating with the PAOCC, Bureau of Immigration, and other government agencies to verify the data and investigate potential links to human trafficking, illegal detention, or cyber fraud operations.

He also directed the PNP’s Anti-Cybercrime Group (ACG), Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG), and Intelligence Group (IG) to intensify intelligence sharing and joint efforts against transnational crime syndicates.