The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) urged Southeast Asian police forces to strengthen cross-border cooperation against cyber-enabled scams and online fraud during the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference in Pasay City.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Marriott Hotel in Newport, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla said transnational crimes have grown increasingly sophisticated and borderless, making regional collaboration essential.

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

Remulla warned that cross-border security challenges across the region include drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking, wildlife crime, cybercrime, financial offenses, maritime crimes and online scams.

Stressing that no single country can address these threats independently, Remulla reaffirmed the Philippines’ commitment under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to advance joint operations, intelligence exchanges, and training with international partners.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. also reaffirmed the PNP’s commitment to collaborating with its regional counterparts to bolster operational cooperation and institutional capabilities.

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