RP, Australian police meet to fight terrorism

The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Australian Federal Police have further strengthened their coordination to fight transnational crime, particularly in the area of terrorism.

PNP chief Director General Arturo Lomibao left last Friday for Canberra, Australia on invitation of Mike Phelan, the national manager of Boarder and International Network of the Australian Federal Police, to visit the Australian Bomb Data Center and the Forensic Facilities.

"The visit is an opportunity for the PNP and the Australian Federal Police to discuss issues related to best practices in law enforcement," said PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil.

Bataoil said the meeting would also further enhance the close cooperation and collaboration between two police forces in their fight against transnational crime, particularly in the area of counterterrorism.

The Australian Federal Police technical team would also conduct a briefing on the existing technological terrorism to Lomibao and his entourage, he added.

Accompanying Lomibao is Director Rodolfo Tor, Directorate for Plans chief; Senior Superintendent Ricardo Romeo, Intelligence Group and Task Force Sanlahai deputy; Chief Inspector Reynold Rosero, Philippine Bomb Center deputy chief; and Senior Inspector Gary Tagufa.

The Philippines and Australia have been aggressive in their campaign against terrorists.

Both are in close coordination with the US government, which has been spearheading the anti-terror campaign.

Australian has been supportive of the Philippine government’s effort to improve its efficiency and capability against terrorism.

Last April, through Ambassador Ruth Pearce, the Australian embassy organized a police negotiator training course to equip Filipino police with skills that will help them in fighting crime.

Australian police have operated in the Philippines to combat terrorists based on two agreements signed by Prime Minister John Howard in Manila in 2003, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Last year, Philippine officials said they were receiving support from Australian police, mainly dealing with investigations into terror attacks.

Philippine officials have confirmed that the Australian Federal Police has been providing forensic expertise, training and intelligence to Filipino policemen.

The active involvement of Australian police in the anti-terrorism campaign here came after investigators established that the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiyah was behind the Bali, Indonesia bombing on Oct. 12, 2002, and that the bombers were trained in Mindanao.

"The Australian Federal Police is committed to providing long-term and comprehensive assistance to the PNP and other regional partners to investigate and combat terrorists in the region," the Australian police were quoted as saying.