(Photo courtesy of PIA)
MANILA, Philippines – The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) opened the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) in Makati City on Tuesday, October 20, bringing together regional leaders to strengthen cooperation against cybercrime, online scams, and other cross-border criminal activities.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla, who chairs the meeting and heads the Philippine delegation, emphasized the need for a united regional response as criminal organizations increasingly exploit technology and international connectivity.
“Criminal networks are taking advantage of technology, economic integration, and cross-border connectivity. No single nation can answer that alone. It takes an ASEAN that is prepared, coordinated, and united,” Remulla said.
Citing a United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) report, Remulla warned that online scam operations in parts of Southeast Asia are linked to potential annual economic losses estimated at US$114 billion.
He said transnational criminal groups have developed sophisticated networks involving online fraud, money laundering, human trafficking, illegal drugs, terrorism, arms smuggling, and other illicit activities.
To counter these threats, Remulla called for stronger intelligence-sharing, coordinated law enforcement operations, victim protection, public awareness campaigns, and closer partnerships with technology companies.
“Under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., the Philippines is committed to real-time intelligence-sharing, joint operations, and capacity-building,” he said.
Remulla also stressed the importance of implementing the ASEAN Plan of Action in Combatting Transnational Crime 2026–2035, particularly through specialized cybercrime units, trained investigators, financial crime experts, and improved cross-border coordination.
He underscored that regional cooperation must translate into concrete protection for ASEAN’s more than 700 million people, particularly families, workers, and children vulnerable to criminal exploitation.
The meeting gathers ministers and delegations from all 11 ASEAN member states under the Philippines’ 2026 ASEAN Chairship theme, “Navigating Our Future, Together.”
Participants are expected to review proposed agreements and initiatives that the Philippines will present for notation at the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit in November 2026.
Remulla is also leading consultations with ASEAN dialogue partners China, Japan, and South Korea to reinforce regional cooperation against transnational crime.
