Makati City:Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor "Jonvic" Remulla announced the proactive measures taken by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states to counter the evolving techniques of organized crime groups. These efforts were highlighted during the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime held in Makati City.
According to Philippines News agency, Secretary Remulla emphasized the importance of collaborative initiatives among ASEAN nations to combat criminal networks operating across borders. He noted that the changing landscape of crime since 1997, including online scams, money laundering, and drug trafficking, necessitates a unified and modernized approach.
Remulla also discussed the ASEAN Regional Trafficking in Persons Report and the region's commitment to protecting children from online sexual abuse, including those using artificial intelligence. He highlighted the Philippines' continued Tier 1 rating in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report, a recognition of the country's compliance with minimum standards for eliminating human trafficking.
Together with partner countries like Japan, South Korea, and China, ASEAN members are adopting a joint statement on next steps for addressing trafficking in persons, terrorism, and cybercrime. Remulla underscored that cooperation among these nations is yielding tangible results, citing the rescue of Filipinos from scams in Cambodia and the interception of a large shipment of suspected shabu in Laos.
The DILG chief noted the importance of border protection and the fight against emerging cybercrime threats in the region. He pointed out that cybercrime is a widespread issue affecting not only the Philippines but also countries like Singapore, where one in seven citizens has been a victim.
On the subject of Nihilistic Violent Extremism (NVE), Remulla clarified that while the joint ASEAN statement did not specifically mention NVE, the concern was acknowledged and discussed extensively during bilateral meetings.
Further addressing domestic concerns, Remulla revealed ongoing operations against "micro scam hubs" in Metro Manila, allegedly linked to dismissed police and military officers. These hubs, characterized by small-scale operations, represent a new trend in scamming activities. He mentioned the recent raid in Zamboanga Sibugay, which led to the arrest and rescue of 244 foreign nationals, as part of the crackdown on such illegal operations. However, details regarding the involvement of dismissed personnel are still under investigation.
Source Philippines News agency
