Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) is strengthening cross-border efforts to track fugitives by maximizing the use of facial recognition technology and faster intelligence sharing with Association of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) member-countries.
According to Philippines News Agency, the PNP has released a statement indicating that police chief, Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr., has directed police units to optimize the use of facial recognition technology in tracking criminals with potential cross-border connections. Gen. Nartatez emphasized the importance of intensified intelligence exchange with ASEANAPOL member-countries through prompt submission and validation of information on wanted individuals.
Gen. Nartatez stated, "The responsible use of facial recognition technology will enable faster verification of identities, more efficient exchange of intelligence, and quicker coordination among ASEAN police organizations. These advancements will help us detect, locate, and apprehend fugitives who attempt to evade justice by crossing international borders." He highlighted that this initiative aligns with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., guided by Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to bolster international law enforcement cooperation and intensify the fight against transnational crime.
The directive follows the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference hosted by the PNP, where police leaders endorsed the modernization of the electronic ASEANAPOL Database System (e-ADS). The long-term program includes the broader application of facial recognition technology and enhanced forensic cooperation to better identify fugitives and suspects moving across borders.
Gen. Nartatez noted that regional coordination has already resulted in the arrest and deportation of several wanted individuals, including Master Sgt. Rizal Alih in Sabah, Malaysia. He also mentioned previous deportations of wanted persons from countries such as Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China, facilitated through close coordination with international law enforcement partners.
"The PNP remains committed to ensuring that stronger regional cooperation results in faster action against fugitives and greater public safety for the Filipino people and the ASEAN community," said Gen. Nartatez. The conference also emphasized the critical need for sustained cooperation among law enforcement agencies to tackle crimes that extend beyond national borders.
Gen. Nartatez added, "We will continue working with our ASEANAPOL counterparts to further improve information-sharing mechanisms and operational coordination so that alerts on wanted persons can be acted upon more quickly. Timely exchange of intelligence is essential in preventing fugitives from exploiting international borders."
In addition to fugitive tracking, the PNP will enhance intelligence sharing and cross-border operations against online scam syndicates with the creation of the ASEANAPOL Scam Combat Operational Task Force 2026-2028. Gen. Nartatez stated that this regional initiative will allow the PNP to collaborate more closely with ASEAN counterparts in identifying and dismantling transnational scam networks that victimize individuals across Southeast Asia.
"The ASEANAPOL Scam Combat Operational Task Force strengthens our ability to combat online scams by improving real-time intelligence sharing, coordinating cross-border investigations, and facilitating joint operations with our ASEAN counterparts," said Gen. Nartatez. He emphasized that no single country can address the threat posed by scam syndicates operating across national borders alone, and through this initiative, the PNP will be better equipped to respond swiftly and effectively.
The task force was among the key agreements approved during the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference in Manila, where ASEAN police leaders identified online scams as a rapidly growing transnational threat requiring coordinated regional action. Gen. Nartatez has ordered continued support for regional efforts to dismantle scam hubs and rescue trafficking victims coerced into online scam operations. Closer cooperation among ASEAN police organizations is expected to disrupt criminal networks exploiting cyberspace and targeting victims across multiple jurisdictions.
