ASEANAPOL Reaffirms Regional Police Unity and Commitment in Strengthening Collaboration at the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference

Manila, Philippines | 22 – 26 July 2026

The 44th ASEAN National Police (ASEANAPOL) Conference was successfully convened in Manila, Philippines from 22 to 26 July 2026, bringing together ASEAN Police Chiefs, senior law enforcement officials, Dialogue Partners, Observers, and international organisations under the theme:

“United in Vision: Securing People and Strengthening Collaboration.”

The Conference served as a significant platform for ASEAN law enforcement agencies to reaffirm their shared commitment towards strengthening regional security, enhancing police cooperation, and advancing collective efforts in combating increasingly complex and evolving transnational crimes.

Strengthening Regional Partnership Through Collective Action

The Conference gathered delegations from all ASEANAPOL Member Countries, namely Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Viet Nam, reflecting ASEAN’s continued unity and commitment towards a safer and more secure region.

The event was further strengthened by the participation of Dialogue Partners and international law enforcement organisations, including INTERPOL, ASEAN Secretariat, Australian Federal Police, National Police Agency of Japan, Korea National Police Agency, United Kingdom National Crime Agency, and other strategic partners.

Their collective participation demonstrated the importance of international cooperation, intelligence exchange, and coordinated operational responses in addressing global security challenges.

Key Areas of Cooperation and Strategic Outcomes

Throughout the Conference, ASEANAPOL Member Countries reaffirmed their determination to enhance cooperation in addressing various forms of transnational crime, including:

1. Enhancing Intelligence Sharing and Digital Cooperation
The Conference highlighted the importance of strengthening the Electronic ASEANAPOL Database System (e-ADS) as a regional platform to facilitate secure and timely intelligence sharing among Member Countries. ASEANAPOL Member Countries were encouraged to actively utilise the modernised e-ADS by sharing accurate and relevant information across eight core crime areas to enhance regional intelligence exchange and operational cooperation.

2. Combating Emerging Transnational Crime Threats
The Conference endorsed enhanced cooperation in combating major regional security challenges, including cybercrime and online fraud, financial crime and illicit financial activities, terrorism and violent extremism, trafficking in persons, illicit drug trafficking, maritime crime, and other emerging transnational threats. Participants emphasised the need for stronger intelligence collaboration, capacity building, technological advancement, and coordinated enforcement efforts to effectively respond to evolving criminal networks.

Significant Achievements and Decisions

Among the notable outcomes achieved during the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference were:

ASEANAPOL Expansion
The Conference approved the membership of the National Police of Timor-Leste (PNTL) as the 11th ASEANAPOL Member Country, marking an important milestone in strengthening regional police cooperation and inclusivity.

Strengthening Regional Response Against Scam-Related Crimes
The Conference approved the concept of the ASEANAPOL Scam Combat Task Force (ASCOT), aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, coordination and collective responses in combating scam-related crimes affecting communities across the region.

Advancing Capacity Building and Professional Development
ASEANAPOL Member Countries reaffirmed continued support for training programmes, technical exchanges, and professional development initiatives to strengthen operational capabilities among ASEAN police forces.

A Shared Vision for a Safer ASEAN Community

The 44th ASEANAPOL Conference reaffirmed ASEAN’s shared vision of strengthening trust, solidarity, and cooperation among law enforcement agencies. Through enhanced partnerships, innovation, intelligence sharing, and coordinated action, ASEANAPOL continues to play a pivotal role in safeguarding communities and promoting peace, security, and stability across Southeast Asia.

The Conference concluded with a renewed commitment to uphold the principles of unity, partnership, and collective responsibility in addressing future security challenges.