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PNP reaffirms support to Interpol efforts vs. int'l crimes

By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan

February 8, 2023, 5:51 pm

<p>Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock (left) and PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. (right)<em> (Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office)</em></p>

Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock (left) and PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. (right) (Photo courtesy of PNP Public Information Office)

MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) pledged its continued support for all efforts of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) to fight all international crimes.
 
PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr. made this commitment in his meeting with Interpol Secretary General Jürgen Stock on the sidelines of the ongoing 24th Asian Regional Conference in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Tuesday.

During the meeting, Azurin emphasized that the PNP is fully supportive of Interpol's initiatives in the fight against international crimes including their commitment to seconding police officers to New York, Singapore, and France.

With the steady growth in tourist arrivals to the Philippines, the use of biometrics to screen incoming persons was also discussed as a means to enhance national security.

"The Philippines is a safe country for both its citizens and tourists. We are open to enhancing innovative solutions, such as the extensive use of biometrics, to enhance our security measures," Azurin said.

Azurin also said the PNP is committed to addressing cybercrime and human trafficking by capacitating its anti-cybercrime capability.

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

He said 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, meanwhile, emphasized the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to combatting human trafficking.

He added that the PNP has been working closely with other government agencies and non-government organizations to provide comprehensive support for victims of human trafficking and to bring perpetrators to justice.

"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 from our communities and to provide justice for its victims," he added. (PNA)

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