MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has declared its backing for a new Southeast Asian accord designed to bolster regional cooperation against cyber fraud, human trafficking, and other offences conducted by international syndicates.
PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. stated that the approval of the Phnom Penh Declaration demonstrates the nation’s commitment to protecting citizens from cross-border illegal networks.
The Philippines joined 27 other nations in endorsing the agreement during the International Conference on Combating Online Scams (ICCOS), held from September 23 to 24 in Phnom Penh, Cambodia.
The agreement sets out 11 key commitments focused on breaking up criminal syndicates, strengthening legal structures, and offering support to victims of internet scams.
In a statement issued on Friday, October 2, Nartatez emphasized the importance of a unified regional effort as criminal groups increasingly leverage digital technology and international borders.
“As criminals continue to exploit borders, technology, and vulnerable communities, our response must be equally coordinated and resolute. We must strengthen our partnerships across the region to disrupt transnational syndicates, protect our people, and ensure that no criminal group can use national boundaries as a shield against justice,” Nartatez said in a statement Friday, October 2.
The police organization pointed out that citizens of the Philippines continue to fall victim to digital fraud and human trafficking schemes run by international operations.
Because these operations rely heavily on online channels and global networks, law enforcement agencies must deepen their cross-border collaboration, the PNP added.
Nartatez affirmed that the PNP will keep working alongside Cambodian officials to pursue those behind these syndicates. The police force is actively engaging with Cambodian authorities regarding Filipino citizens caught in scam networks allegedly operating out of Cambodia.
“Through our strengthened partnerships with other countries, like Cambodia, we can solidify our regional security framework to combat cross-border crimes,” Nartatez said.