THE Philippines, as this year’s chairman of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean), will lead regional efforts to strengthen cooperation against transnational crime.
Manila will host the 20th Asean Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and its Related Meetings from Oct. 19 to 21.
The AMMTC is the regional bloc’s highest policymaking body on cooperation to combat and prevent transnational crime, including border management.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Juanito Victor Remulla will lead the discussions on regional responses to major security threats, including trafficking in persons, cybercrime, drug trafficking, money laundering, and illicit arms smuggling.
During the three-day event, consultations with China, Japan, and South Korea will also be held to advance cooperation between Asean and its dialogue partners against transnational crime.
The meetings will also highlight key regional initiatives, including declarations on preventing online sexual abuse or exploitation and child sexual abuse or exploitation materials in the digital and artificial intelligence-enabled environment, as well as strengthening the role of Asean law enforcement agencies in emergency preparedness and disaster relief.
The Philippines also marks its 11th consecutive year as a Tier 1 country in the United States Trafficking in Persons Report, reflecting sustained efforts to meet the US’ minimum standards for eliminating trafficking in persons.
The meetings will culminate in the symbolic handover of the AMMTC chairmanship from the Philippines to Singapore.
