The Philippine National Police (PNP) is stepping up cross-border efforts to track down fugitives by expanding its use of facial recognition technology and accelerating intelligence sharing across Southeast Asia.

PNP chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. directed police units to maximize facial recognition tools for suspects with potential international links while intensifying the exchange and validation of wanted-person data with ASEANAPOL member-countries.

The initiative follows directives from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation against transnational crime.

“The responsible use of facial recognition technology will enable faster verification of identities, more efficient exchange of intelligence, and quicker coordination among ASEAN police organizations,” Nartatez said.

“These advancements will help us detect, locate and apprehend fugitives who attempt to evade justice by crossing international borders,” he added.

The measures follow the conclusion of the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference in Manila, hosted by the PNP.

During the gathering’s second plenary session on 25 July, police leaders from across the region unanimously endorsed a Joint Communiqué to modernize the Electronic ASEANAPOL Database System (e-ADS) through expanded facial recognition capability and forensic collaboration.

Nartatez cited that regional cooperation has previously led to high-profile arrests and deportations, including the capture of fugitive Master Sgt. Rizal Alih in Sabah, Malaysia, as well as the return of wanted persons from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan and China.

The conference delegates agreed to deepen cooperation on major security threats, including drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking, wildlife crime, financial fraud, cybercrime and maritime crime.

Delegates also approved institutional milestones, including admitting the National Police of Timor-Leste as ASEANAPOL’s 11th member country. Jing Villamente

“This conference is not the finish line — it is the starting point for stronger regional action,” Nartatez said, adding that regional security relies on shared responsibility among neighboring police forces.