PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. on Tuesday, assured Filipinos living or working in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) of ongoing police efforts to ensure their protection, especially against human trafficking syndicates.

The top cop gave the assurance as he met with Philippine Ambassador to the UAE, Amb. Alfonso Ver to foster better cooperation and coordination between the Abu Dhabi-based embassy and the PNP national headquarters in ensuring the safety and well-being of Filipinos in the UAE.

The meeting saw Ambassador Ver and a top-level PNP delegation headed by Azurin discussing measures to protect the rights of Filipinos working in the UAE, addressing crimes such as trafficking in person, human smuggling, and other safety concerns affecting the Filipino community and improving emergency response and support systems for Filipinos in need.

The PNP chief also disclosed their plan to post permanent Police Attaches in UAE as the Marcos Jr. government pursues its comprehensive, integrated program to address conflict and security against global security threats.

Azurin said it is “timely” to streamline the government’s intel-driven strategies in support of its mission, operational works, functions, and commitment to regional and international law enforcement cooperation.

“Our focus is on expanding efforts to address transnational crimes by improving coordination and communication with the international intelligence community. By considering internal security concerns globally, we can better respond to and prevent transnational crimes that may impact the country,” he explained.

He also stated that by working with foreign law enforcement agencies, police attaches can help to disrupt illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and cybercrime activities that may affect both countries and ensure that the welfare of our Filipino citizens is a priority and that adequate measures are in place to address any security or welfare concerns.

Azurin on Wednesday is scheduled to present updates on the situation of Trafficking in Persons and Human Smuggling in the Philippines as part of the 24th Interpol Regional Conference in Abu Dhabi.

On Sunday, the 10-man PNP delegation to the 24th Asian Regional Conference of the Interpol General Secretariat in Abu Dhabi left the country.

The week-long conference, with regular meetings every two years, has brought together senior law enforcement officials from Interpol’s member countries to discuss and make decisions on advancing law enforcement action in fighting organized transnational crime in the Asian region.

The other members of the PNP delegation are PNP Director for Plans, Major Gen. Bernard M. Banac; PNP Director for Investigation and Detective Management, Maj. Gen. Eliseo DC Cruz; PNP Director for Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr.; PNP Director for Operations, Maj. Gen. Emmanuel B. Peralta; PNP Director for Comptrollership, Maj. Gen. Jesus D. Cambay Jr.; PNP Director for Information Communications and Technology Management, Maj. Gen. Valeriano T. de Leon; PNP Public Information Office chief, Colonel Redrico A. Maranan; and Col. Reynante B. Bastian.

“I am honored to lead the Philippine delegation to this important event and be a part of the discussion on how we can further improve our efforts to combat the most pressing crime-related issues facing our region, including human trafficking, cybercrime, financial crime, and terrorism,” Azurin said.

“As we celebrate Interpol’s centenary, it is more crucial than ever that we come together to strengthen our collaboration and global efforts against transnational crimes. The Philippines is committed to playing its part in achieving this goal”, he added.

Azurin is set to present the response of the Philippines to the challenges brought about by human trafficking and migrant smuggling on the second day of the conference.

The Philippines is the lead shepherd in the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting in Transnational Crime (SOMTC) Working Group on Trafficking in Persons, which is the permanent mechanism for monitoring and reviewing the implementation of the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, especially women, and children (ACTIP).

The conference agenda also includes discussions on operational cooperation, enhancing policing capabilities, and priority crime areas with a focus on trafficking in drugs and countering terrorism, along with an assessment of the state of police cooperation and international efforts against cross-border crimes.

“I look forward to sharing our country’s experiences and [learning] from our international counterparts as we strive to make our communities safer and more secure. This conference is a testament to Interpol’s commitment to fighting crime and promoting justice, and the PNP is proud to be a part of this noble cause,” Azurin said.