PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) Chief General Rodolfo S. Azurin Jr. and Interpol Secretary General Jurgen Stock on Tuesday met to discuss the stepped-up coordination between the PNP and its Asian and Western counterparts in fighting transnational crimes.

The one-on-one meeting between the top cop and the Interpol chief occurred on the 2nd day of the ongoing 24th Asian Regional Conference of the Interpol General Secretariat in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

During their meeting, Azurin underscored the PNP’s full support for all Interpol initiatives in the fight against international crimes, including their commitment to seconding police officers to New York, Singapore, and France.

The two also discussed the use of biometrics to screen incoming persons to enhance national security with the steady growth in tourist arrivals in The Philippines.

“The Philippines is a safe country for both its citizens and tourists. We are open to enhancing innovative solutions, such as the extensive use of biometrics, to enhance our security measures,” Azurin said.

The PNP chief also discussed with Stock the wide-ranging PNP approach to address cybercrime and human trafficking.

“Cybercrime and human trafficking are two of the most pressing issues in today’s world. The PNP is dedicated to addressing these crimes head-on and is continuously capacitating its Anti Cyber- Crime Units to effectively combat them,” he said.

Azurin explained that the PNP has been proactive in its efforts to combat cybercrime with the establishment of the PNP Anti-Cybercrime Group and the implementation of various programs to educate the public and improve the PNP’s capability by investing in technology as well as training police officers in detecting, investigating and prosecuting cybercrime cases.

This, he said, has helped them to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime and to better serve the public in preventing and solving cybercrime cases.

According to him, the PNP has been working closely with other government agencies and non-government organizations to provide comprehensive support for victims of human trafficking and to bring perpetrators to justice.

“Human trafficking is a vicious crime that not only violates human rights but also destroys lives and families. The PNP is steadfast in its commitment to eradicate this crime from our communities and to provide justice for its victims,” Azurin said.

Stock expressed his appreciation for the PNP’s efforts during his meeting with the PNP chief.

“We appreciate your strong leadership in making the Philippines a safe country. Your efforts in addressing cybercrime and human trafficking are commendable, that’s why we requested that you share with all the members your best practices in addressing these issues. We look forward to continued collaboration in these areas,” he said.

The PNP chief discussed before the plenary the country’s experience on Human Trafficking and Migrant Smuggling on Wednesday.

In addition to discussing the PNP’s support for Interpol, the meeting also covered the potential visit of the Interpol Secretary-General to the Philippines and the country’s prospects of hosting the 25th Interpol Asian Regional Conference.

“We look forward to welcoming Mr. Stock to the Philippines. These events will further strengthen our partnership and cooperation in addressing international crimes and maintaining peace and security in our region,” Azurin said.

The conference, with regular meetings every two years, has brought together senior law enforcement officials from Interpol-member countries to discuss and make decisions on the advancement of law enforcement action in fighting organized transnational crime in the Asian region, specifically human trafficking, cybercrimes, financial crimes, drug trafficking, and terrorism.

With Azurin are other senior officials, namely 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.

The Philippines is the lead shepherd in the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting on Transnational Crime (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).