THE Russian Federation proposed an expanded agreement with the police officials of the Philippines to address transnational crimes.
Among the issues tackled by Minister of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation Police Colonel General Vladimir Kolokoltsev and Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Director General Alan Purisima include terrorism, cybercrime, child pornography and other internet-related crime and drug and human trafficking, PNP spokesperson Reuben Sindac said Thursday.
Sindac said the Russian police was alarmed over the results of recent police operations in the Philippines that involved the rescue of Russian women who were apparent victims of trafficking and exploitation, who ended up working in karaoke and adult entertainment bars in red lights districts.
“In the meeting, Kolokoltsev expressed desire to cooperate more extensively with the Aseanapol members and dialogue partners, he delivered willingness to explore every possible area of cooperation and partnership particularly on criminal activities against transnational crimes,” Sindac said.
He said as a response to Kolokolstev’s proposal, the PNP leadership immediately worked on a Memorandum of Understanding that will provide the framework for the cooperation between the Philippines and Russia in the prevention of the said issues and concerns “under the basis of reciprocity, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.”
In exchange, Russia will provide peacekeeping training to the Philippines for the threat of terrorism and human trafficking.
Kolokoltsev also invited Purisima to the exhibition of the Ministry of Internal Affairs’ latest equipment from the world’s leading producer of police gear and equipment in October, Sindac said.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Russian Federation is participating as observer delegation in the ongoing 34th Asean (Association of the Southeast Asian Nations) Association of Police Chiefs (Aseanapol) conference in Sofitel Plaza Manila, where the bilateral talk was held.
Meanwhile, the Royal Malaysian Police (RMP) proposed a joint agreement with the PNP to combat issues on terrorism particularly in the Southeast Asia and cross-border crimes.
Sindac said RMP Inspector General of Police Tan Sri Dig Dato’ Sri Khalid Bin Abu Bakar initiated an anti-terrorism partnership between the Philippines and Malaysia.
Bakar said the agreement will facilitate the exchange of intelligence information and the establishment of a system of communication that would help both countries prevents terrorism and which will deliver a quick response when they happen.
Police General Suhardi Alius, Commissioner General of the Indonesian National Police (INP), suggested the joint exercise program for the PNP and RMP similar to the existing Philippines-Indonesia (Philindo) Joint Police Maritime Law Enforcement Exercise (Marlex), which aims to address transnational threats such as illicit drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing, maritime fraud and other crimes at high seas, which requires enhanced security cooperation, coordination and coordinated maritime law enforcement response between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries in Sulu and Sulawesi Sea.
Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines share a vast tri-border corridor in the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea, a vital sea lane for trade and commerce in the Asia-Pacific region.
A memorandum of agreement was signed by representatives of the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia in May 2002 to strengthen cooperation, recognizing the value of enhancing bilateral defense, and establishing a framework to facilitate cooperation and interoperability.
The agreement deals on information exchange procedures and establishment of communication procedures on terrorism, money laundering, smuggling, piracy and robbery at sea, hijacking, intrusion, illegal entry, drug trafficking, theft of marine resources, marine pollution, illicit trafficking in arms and other similar matters of the three countries. (Third Anne Peralta/Sunnex)