Pasay city: The Philippine National Police (PNP) is seeking to strengthen partnerships with police organizations from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) as the Philippines prepares to host the 44th ASEAN Chiefs of National Police (ASEANAPOL) Conference from July 22 to 26 in Pasay City.

According to Philippines News Agency, the five-day conference carries the theme 'United in Vision: Securing People and Strengthening Collaboration,' and drew 186 confirmed delegates from ASEAN member countries, ASEANAPOL Secretariat, dialogue partners, and observer organizations. The discussions will focus on strengthening regional efforts against terrorism, cybercrime, human trafficking, transnational organized crime, and other emerging security challenges.

In a statement on Monday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. highlighted the conference as an opportunity to reinforce the country's role in regional law enforcement cooperation and improve coordination against transnational security threats. 'The conference reinforces the Philippines' commitment to regional security and collective action. It provides an opportunity to deepen operational cooperation, improve intelligence sharing, and strengthen our partnerships in addressing threats that no country can solve alone,' he said.

In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, to strengthen international law enforcement cooperation, the PNP deployed 1,559 personnel from various National Support Units, supported by 282 mobility assets and 3,765 communications and information and communications technology equipment to ensure the safe and orderly conduct of the conference.

'We want to convey that the Philippines is a reliable and committed partner in regional law enforcement. Through collaboration, mutual trust, and the sharing of best practices, we can build a safer and more secure ASEAN for our people," Nartatez said.