PNP strengthens ties with Japan, SoKor counterparts

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is strengthening cooperation with Japan and South Korea to combat transnational crime, track foreign fugitives and improve intelligence sharing.

PNP chief Police Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said the partnerships aim to improve cross-border coordination and make police operations more effective.

“These engagements will strengthen intelligence sharing, fugitive tracking, and operational coordination against transnational organized crime. Strong partnerships enable faster and more effective action against criminals who attempt to exploit international borders,” Nartatez said.

The PNP’s engagement with Japan was highlighted by the 6 October visit of Ohama Takeshi, director general of the Organized Crime Department of Japan’s National Police Agency, to Camp Crame. PNP Deputy Chief for Administration Police Lt. Gen. Wilson Joseph F. Lopez represented Nartatez.

The meeting focused on cooperation against transnational organized crime and efforts to locate Japanese fugitives. Both sides also discussed improving information sharing and coordination in tracking suspects.

On the same day, South Korean Embassy Minister and Consul General Lee Han Il visited the PNP headquarters to discuss law enforcement and public safety cooperation.

Nartatez said international partnerships are increasingly important as criminal activities cross national borders.

“Criminal threats have become increasingly transnational and no country can address them alone. Our partnerships with trusted counterparts abroad help protect the Filipino people by improving our ability to prevent, detect, and investigate crimes that extend beyond our borders,” he said.