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ASEANAPOL Secretariat Representatives Participates in Debriefing of Operation MAHARLIKA 4 in Manila, Philippines

15 December 2024

calendar_today 15 December 2024
On December 10-11, 2024, ASEANAPOL Secretariat Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan and Deputy Superintendent of Police Abdul Hamid Hashim participated in the debriefing of Operation MAHARLIKA 4, organized by INTERPOL in Manila, Philippines. This initiative, funded by the Government of Japan, aims to strengthen collaboration among Southeast Asian nations to address terrorism and security challenges. Key components of the Counterterrorism Southeast Asia (CT-SEA) Project include operational activities, awareness campaigns on INTERPOL’s biometric services, and enhanced exchange of police data and information. Spanning from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, the CT-SEA Project is a comprehensive effort to enhance regional security. The debriefing session was attended by 24 participants from over nine countries and was led by Mr. Simon Fernan from the INTERPOL team.
The operational debriefing session brought together representatives from law enforcement agencies across ASEAN countries. It focused on the Project Counterterrorism Southeast Asia (CT-SEA), which was conducted by INTERPOL from November 26 to December 6, 2024. The two-week operation targeted cross-border crime through border monitoring, intelligence-led operations, and the exchange of critical information among ASEAN member countries.
This debriefing marks a significant milestone in ASEAN's collective efforts to enhance regional security and combat transnational crime. The active participation of ASEAN member countries over the two-week period contributed to a deeper understanding of terrorism-related threats and facilitated the development of effective strategies to address emerging security challenges in Southeast Asia. Operation MAHARLIKA 4 focused on counter-terrorism initiatives aimed at reducing the operational capacity of terrorist networks in the region.
The MAHARLIKA 4 Operation Debrief underscored the importance of a coordinated regional and international response to threats and challenges. It emphasized the role of regional cooperation and joint operations, particularly in safeguarding shared borders. The debrief also highlighted the need for capacity-building programs with partners and international organizations, including INTERPOL. The operation promoted the integration of technological innovations into ASEAN’s regional counter-terrorism strategy, showcasing the power of international cooperation in uniting the efforts of INTERPOL member countries in Southeast Asia to effectively disrupt cross-border criminal activities.
The ASEAN NCB representatives serve as the f ocal persons for ASEANAPOL Contact Persons, ensuring seamless coordination and information-sharing. The CT-SEA MAHARLIKA IV aligns with ASEANAPOL’s 10 core transnational crime priorities, further strengthening the region’s collective efforts against cross-border criminal threats.
"Together We Keep This Region Safe"








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