The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up its engagement with Japan and South Korea as it pursued closer coordination against transnational crimes, foreign fugitives and other threats that require cross-border law enforcement cooperation.

In a statement on Thursday, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the engagements were aimed at turning international partnerships into more responsive police operations, particularly through intelligence exchange, fugitive tracking and coordination with foreign counterparts.

“These engagements will strengthen intelligence sharing, fugitive tracking, and operational coordination against transnational organized crime. Strong partnerships enable faster and more effective action against criminals who attempt to exploit international borders,” Nartatez said.

The PNP’s engagement with Japan was highlighted by the courtesy visit of Ohama Takeshi, director general of the Organized Crime Department of Japan’s National Police Agency, at the Office of the Chief, PNP Lounge in Camp Crame on Oct. 6.

PNP deputy chief for administration Lt. Gen. Wilson Joseph F. Lopez represented the PNP chief during the meeting.

The discussions reaffirmed continuing cooperation between Philippine and Japanese law enforcement agencies, particularly on Japanese fugitives and transnational organized crime.

The talks also opened opportunities to improve information-sharing and operational linkages in tracing suspects and supporting law enforcement operations.

On the same day, Minister and Consul General Lee Han Il of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea also paid a courtesy visit to the PNP National Headquarters.

The meeting highlighted continuing cooperation between the PNP and South Korea in areas of mutual interest involving law enforcement and public safety.

Nartatez said the need for such cooperation with Tokyo and Seoul has grown as criminal activities increasingly move across jurisdictions. (PNA)