Manila: Executive Secretary Ralph G. Recto has called for tighter, faster, and more unified government action against organized crime as he convened the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission (PAOCC) to recalibrate its strategy. Recto, who chairs the commission, emphasized the need for a proactive government approach, aiming to close institutional gaps that allow criminal networks to flourish.

According to Philippines News Agency, Recto stated, 'Our job is not only to chase criminals after damage is done, but to shut the doors before they enter. To seal the gaps, enforce discipline, realign priorities, and demand measurable results,' during the meeting held on Monday. The session reviewed the Serious and Organized Crime Threat Assessment (SOCTA) 2022-2024, a crucial intelligence document that outlines the scale and evolution of organized criminal threats in the country, and aligned priority actions under the PAOCC's Crime Action Plan.

The PAOCC functions as the government's central coordinating body against organized and transnational crime, integrating efforts from intelligence, defense, law enforcement, and justice agencies to ensure synchronized operations and prosecutions.

Senior officials attending the meeting included National Security Adviser Eduardo M. A±o; PAOCC Executive Director Undersecretary Benjamin C. Acorda Jr.; Undersecretary Facundo Palafox of the Office of the Executive Secretary; and top representatives from the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of National Defense, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Justice, and National Bureau of Investigation.