44th ASEANAPOL Conference 2026: "United in Vision: Securing People and Strengthening Collaboration"

The 44th ASEAN Chiefs of National Police Conference (ASEANAPOL) was successfully conducted in Manila, Philippines from 22 to 26 July 2026. The Philippines, through the Philippine National Police (PNP), hosted the region’s premier law enforcement gathering this year.

Overview and Theme

Held in Pasay City, Manila, the five-day conference carried the theme “United in Vision: Securing People and Strengthening Collaboration”.

The event drew 186 confirmed delegates from ASEAN Member Countries, the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, Dialogue Partners, and Observer organizations. This conference reaffirmed ASEANAPOL’s vision to be the premier regional police organization that fosters cooperation in policing among ASEAN Member States and beyond, ensuring a safe and secure region for all, with the motto “Together We Keep This Region Safe”.

Key Objectives and Focus Areas

The discussions centred on strengthening regional efforts against the most pressing transnational crime threats, including Illicit Drug Trafficking, Terrorism, Arms Smuggling, Trafficking in Persons, Wildlife Crimes, Financial Crime, Cybercrime, Maritime Crime and other emerging security challenges. PNP Chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. emphasized that the conference was an opportunity to reinforce the Philippines’ role in regional law enforcement cooperation. He stated: “The conference reinforces the Philippines’ commitment to regional security and collective action. It provides an opportunity to deepen operational cooperation, improve intelligence sharing, and strengthen our partnerships in addressing threats that no country can solve alone”. These focus areas align with ASEANAPOL’s long-standing commission work on issues such as illicit drug trafficking, arms smuggling, commercial crimes, cybercrime, fraudulent travel documents, mutual legal assistance, and exchange of personnel and training programs.

Preparations and Hosting

The hosting of the 44th Conference was part of the Philippines’ broader commitment to regional engagements in 2026. In line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., and through the guidance of Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the PNP deployed significant resources to ensure a safe and orderly conduct: 1,559 personnel from various National Support Units, 282 mobility assets, and 3,765 communications and ICT equipment. Preparatory work began early, with a Pre-Conference Coordination Meeting hosted by the PNP on 3–5 June 2026 in Quezon City, chaired by PLTGEN Bernard M. Banac, covering conference management, security arrangements, protocol, logistics, accommodation, and transportation.

Significance for Regional Cooperation

The conference served as a key platform to:

• Enhance Operational Networks: ASEANAPOL continues to strengthen cooperation through specialized working groups and capacity development programs to address emerging transnational crime threats.
• Strengthen Partnerships with Dialogue Partners: The meeting also provided a platform to strengthen coordination with partners such as INTERPOL and the Korean National Police Agency under initiatives like the KNPA-led KARE Project.
• Support Capacity Building: Programs under ASEANAPOL such as the ASEANAPOL Forensic Science Network (APFSN), Personnel Exchange, and Training Development remain central to building interoperability among member states.

Conclusion

The 44th ASEANAPOL Conference in Manila underscored the collective resolve of ASEAN police chiefs to move from dialogue to concrete action. By focusing on intelligence sharing, joint operations, and capacity building under the theme “United in Vision,” the conference aimed to deliver tangible outcomes in securing the people of ASEAN and strengthening collaboration against evolving security threats. ASEANAPOL Secretariat reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with international partners to strengthen regional security and advance practical cooperation against transnational crime.