On January 30, 2025, Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan of the ASEANAPOL Secretariat delivered an online lecture to approximately 215 graduating cadets of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) "Sinag-Lawin" Class of 2025. The PNPA, established in 1978, serves as the premier training institution for future commissioned officers of the Philippine National Police (PNP). The academy offers a four-year Bachelor of Science in Public Safety (BSPS) program, equipping cadets with theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical values essential for law enforcement and public safety. Upon graduation, cadets are commissioned as Police Lieutenants, playing vital roles in crime prevention, law enforcement, and community policing.
In the first part of his lecture, Executive Director Vinluan provided an overview of ASEANAPOL (ASEAN National Police), discussing its mission, vision, motto, and core focus areas. He emphasized ASEANAPOL’s role as a regional policing platform that fosters cooperation, intelligence sharing, and capacity-building among ASEAN’s national police forces. The discussion highlighted ASEANAPOL’s commitment to combating transnational crimes, particularly in areas such as: Illicit Drug Trafficking; Terrorism; Arms Smuggling; Human Trafficking/Trafficking in Persons; Maritime Fraud; Wildlife Crime; Commercial Crime, Bank Offenses and Credit Card Fraud; Cybercrime; Fraudulent Travel Documents; and Transnational Fraud. He reaffirmed ASEANAPOL’s collaboration with international organizations, dialogue partners, and observer entities, ensuring that its initiatives align with global law enforcement best practices.
The second part of the lecture focused on the PNP’s Use of Force Policy and the Use of Force Continuum, a key component of the PNP Police Operations Procedures (POP) Manual. Executive Director Vinluan explained that the Use of Force Policy ensures that PNP personnel apply force only when necessary, using a reasonable, proportional, and legally justified approach while adhering to human rights standards. He outlined the Use of Force Continuum, which consists of three: Non-Lethal, Less Lethal, and Lethal. He stressed that all police officers must exercise sound judgment, applying the minimum force necessary to de-escalate conflicts while ensuring public safety and accountability.
Executive Director Vinluan concluded his lecture by stressing the importance of continuous training, policy refinement, and ethical policing. He encouraged graduating cadets to uphold discipline, professionalism, and respect for human dignity in all police operations. His discussion reinforced the importance of transnational cooperation in addressing major crime threats while ensuring law enforcement accountability and professionalism. With ASEANAPOL and the PNP striving for stronger regional partnerships, the next generation of police officers must remain steadfast in their duty to serve, protect, and uphold peace and security in the Philippines and beyond.