PH-Russia cooperation sought vs transnational crimes

INQUIRER FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) and Russian Federation Police proposed an agreement providing a framework for mutual cooperation addressing transnational crime of both countries.

The proposed Memorandum of Understanding stemmed from talks between the PNP and Police Colonel General Vladimir Kolokoltsev, Minister of Internal Affairs in the ongoing 34th Aseanapol Conference here, which started on May 13.

The MOU seeks to “prevent and combat transnational crime on basis of reciprocity, mutual respect and non-interference in internal affairs.”

The formulation of the MOU came after local police rescued Russian women who were working in karaoke and adult entertainment bars in Metro Manila.

In a statement released by the PNP Public Information Office, Kolokoltsev expressed willingness by Russian police to cooperate with the 10-member countries of Aseanapol.

Aside from the Philippines, Aseanapol member-countries include Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Thailand, Singapore and Vietnam.

The issues discussed in the conference were on Illegal Drug and Human Trafficking, Terrorism, Arms Smuggling, Cyber Crimes, Fraudulent Travel Documents, Maritime, Commercial Crimes, Bank Offenses, Credit Card and Transnational Frauds.

The Philippines hosted the Aseanapol conference for the fifth time. It will end this Thursday.

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