Azurin, PH envoy discuss safeguards, well-being of Filipinos in UAE

Some 106 distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) arrived home in this file phot taken on October 2019. The OFWs were provided financial assistance and transport allowance before heading to their respective provinces. (FILE) PHOTO FROM DFA

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine National Police (PNP) chief General Rodolfo Azurin Jr. and Philippine Ambassador to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Alfonso Ver have met to discuss the various ways of improving the promotion of the security and welfare of Filipinos in the Middle Eastern country.

In a statement on Wednesday, the PNP said the meeting at the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi on Monday covered issues on strengthening emergency response and support systems for Filipinos in need, dealing with crimes like human smuggling and human trafficking and protecting the rights of Filipino migrant workers in the UAE.

Plans to appoint a permanent police attaché in the UAE were also raised “as the government pursues its comprehensive, integrated program to address conflict and security against global security threats,” it added.

“Our focus is on expanding efforts to address transnational crimes by improving coordination and communication with the international intelligence community.  By considering internal security concerns globally, we can better respond to and prevent transnational crimes that may impact the country,” Azurin said as cited by the PNP.

The country’s top cop, according to the PNP, also underscored the need for foreign law enforcement organizations and police attachés to work together in cracking down on illegal gambling, drug trafficking, and cybercrime activities involving both countries.

Azurin is expected to give updates on the state of the Philippines’ trafficking in persons and human smuggling on Wednesday during the 24th Interpol Regional Conference in Abu Dhabi, UAE. – Kimberly D. Albaño, INQUIRER.net intern

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