Philippines, Australia police ink deal vs transnational crimes

MANILA - The Philippine National Police (PNP) signed a memorandum of understanding with the Australian Federal Police (AFP) for an increased cooperation against transnational crimes.

The memorandum, which was signed Tuesday in Canberra, Australia, recognizes the need for a stronger and comprehensive international law enforcement cooperation at all levels in combating transnational crime including terrorism.

"This agreement marks a new beginning in bilateral relations between the police forces of the Philippines and Australia under the spirit of international cooperation among police agencies in the Asia-Pacific region," said PNP Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome.

The memorandum also seeks to develop criminal intelligence capabilities and cooperative information-sharing between the two agencies.

Bartolome, who lead a six-man delegation that flew to Australia, signed the memorandum together with AFP Commissioner Tony Negus.

Under the accord, the two police agencies would engage in cooperative activities against illicit drug trafficking, piracy and sea robbery, cybercrime, money laundering, transnational economic crime and fraud, trafficking in persons, and crimes against child protection.

Other crimes include illegal trafficking of weapons and ammunition, illegal acquisition of and import and export of cultural or historic treasures, identity fraud, and others to be determined by the two police forces.

According to the Australian Institute of Criminology, the estimated total annual cost of organized crime in the said nation is between $10 and $15 billion. Such crimes include transnational types including human and drug trafficking and money laundering. (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)