On Friday, 29 November, 2024, Japan formally handed over advanced investigative equipment to the Philippine National Police (PNP) under the "Drugs and Human Trafficking in Southeast Asia" project, implemented through the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
The handover ceremony, held at the PNP Headquarters in Quezon City, is part of the PNP's broader initiative on "Counter Terrorism and Violent Extremism and Prison Improvement."
Attendees included WARISAWA Koichi, Director of Japan’s International Safety and Security Cooperation Division; First Secretary NISHIMURA Haruka of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines; UNODC Philippine Office Representative Daniele Marchesi; and PNP Police Brigadier General Benjamin dl Sembrano.
The equipment, including crime scene 3D laser scanning and mapping tools, enhances the PNP's capacity to detect and investigate terrorism and organized crimes, such as human trafficking and online fraud linked to illegal casinos. This initiative addresses the increasing regional threats from illegal drugs, terrorism, and international organized crime networks.
PNP Forensic Group chief PBGen. Benjamin Sembrano and UNODC Country Manager Daniele Marchesi formalized the turnover of the Forensic Investigation 3D Laser Scanner by signing an acknowledgment receipt during a ceremony held at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
“Today's handover and demonstration of the Forensic Investigation 3D Laser Scanner symbolizes not just our partnership, but likewise cements our shared commitment and deeper understanding of our role as peacekeepers and agents of truth and justice against the backdrop of a fluid, labile, evolving, and complex criminality, as well as the illegal narcotics and substance trade, which have become a global phenomenon in scale and breed,” Sembrano stated during the event.
Japan's support highlights its commitment to improving public safety in Southeast Asia and mitigating security threats that impact both the region and Japan.