PNP strengthens ties with Interpol

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has strengthened its ties with the International Criminal Police Organization or Interpol in combating global crimes.

During a meeting on Wednesday with Interpol secretary general Jurgen Stock on the sidelines of the 24th Asian Regional Conference in Abu Dhabi, PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin said they are fully supportive of the Interpol’s initiatives in combating international crimes.

With the steady growth in tourist arrivals to the Philippines, Azurin said the use of biometrics to screen incoming travelers was also discussed to enhance national security.
“We are open to enhancing innovative solutions, such as the extensive use of biometrics, to enhance our security measures,” Azurin said in a statement.

He also told Stock that cybercrime and human trafficking are two of the most pressing issues in the world today.
Azurin said the PNP is dedicated to addressing these crimes head-on and is continuously capacitating its anti-cybercrime units.

He said the PNP has been proactive in fighting crimes online with the establishment of the Anti-Cybercrime Group and the implementation of various programs to educate the public as well as improve the police force’s capability by investing in technology and training police officers in detecting, investigating and prosecuting cybercrime cases.

This has helped them to stay ahead of the rapidly evolving nature of cybercrime and to better serve the public in preventing and solving cybercrime cases, Azurin said.

On human trafficking, Azurin emphasized the need for a multidisciplinary approach to combating this crime.

“Human trafficking is a vicious crime that not only violates human rights but also destroys lives and families. The PNP is steadfast in its commitment to eradicate this crime and to provide justice to the victims,” he said.