On July 17, 2024, at 2 PM in Kuala Lumpur, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat facilitated a virtual coordinating meeting between the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Indonesian National Police (INP). The meeting was moderated by ASEANAPOL Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan, supported by Superintendent Azrul Hisham bin Mohd Shaffei (Head of Administrative and
Technical Support), DSP Suresh Subramaniam (Plans and Programmes Officer 1), and ASP Engku Nurul 'Aini Engku Malek (Plans and Programmes Officer 2).
The PNP delegation included Police Colonel Roque A. Bausa (Chief of the Inter-Agency and International Affairs Division of the Directorate for Plans), Police Lieutenant Colonel Catalino Gadia (Foreign Liaison Division of the Directorate for Intelligence), Police Captain Rizalyn Lagmay (Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management), Police Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Balais (Philippine Center for Transnational Crimes/INTERPOL NCB Manila), Police Captain Maricel Jaucian (ASEANAPOL Contact Person), and NUP Ruth C. Sison (ASEANAPOL Contact Person).
Representing the INP were Police Senior Superintendent Ricky Purnama, Police Senior Superintendent Himawan Sugeha, Police Senior Superintendent Ade Johan, Police Senior Superintendent Agus Setyoko, Superintendent Dedi Nur Andransyah, and Police Inspector Fikri Septianda of the Hubinter INP.
The virtual meeting focused on one of the 14 core areas of ASEANAPOL, specifically “Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters.” This core area emphasizes cooperation among ASEAN member countries to combat criminal activities that transcend borders, ensuring that justice is served efficiently and effectively. It encompasses various forms of assistance, including the exchange of information, joint investigations, and the extradition of fugitives. The overarching aim is to strengthen the capabilities of ASEAN law enforcement agencies in tackling transnational crime through collaboration and shared expertise.
During the meeting, the primary topic was the collaboration between PNP and INP on the repatriation of a fugitive from Indonesia who was arrested in the Philippines. The discussions centered on legal frameworks, procedural requirements, and logistical arrangements necessary for the successful extradition of the suspect. This cooperation highlights the commitment of both nations to uphold the rule of law and to ensure that criminals cannot evade justice by crossing borders.
The conference led to productive discussions, paving the way for enhanced cooperation between the two parties in preparing for the extradition process of the suspect to Indonesia. This initiative not only strengthens bilateral relations between the Philippines and Indonesia but also reinforces the ASEANAPOL’s mission of “Preventing and Combating Transnational Crime through a greater nexus and creative policing collaboration.”
Such meetings and collaborative efforts are crucial for maintaining regional security and ensuring that ASEAN remains a safe and stable region. The ASEANAPOL Secretariat highly values these initiatives, as they align with the organization's commitment to mutual assistance, capacity building, and the effective administration of justice across member states.
“Together We Keep This Region Safe"