PHL, Indonesia, Malaysian police to improve alliance vs terrorism

From the Philippine News Agency (May 15): PHL, Indonesia, Malaysian police to improve alliance vs terrorism

The Philippine National Police (PNP), Royal Malaysia Police (RMP), and Indonesian National Police (INP) planned to form a strong tripartite alliance to combat terrorism in the Southeast Asia.

The trilateral meeting among national police forces of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines was held during the 34th Association of Southeast Asian Nations Association of Chiefs of Police (ASEANAPOL) ASEANAPOL Conference at Sofitel, Manila.

According to PNP Chief Director General Alan L. Purisima that there is a need for improved security and law-enforcement in the region to prevent, suppress and combat terrorism in the ASEAN and Asia-Pacific region.

The proposed accord also addresses cross-border crimes. The initiative for the anti-terrorism coalition between the two countries to deal their respective terrorism problems.

RMP Inspector General Tan Sri Dig Dato’ Sri Khalid Bin Abu Bakar proposed a police-to-police joint agreement with the PNP which will facilitate exchange of intelligence information and establish a system of communication that would help prevent transnational crimes and deliver quick response.

The agreement will also address the initiative for the anti-terrorism coalition between the two countries to deal their respective terrorism problems and cross-border crimes.

Meanwhile, INP Commissioner General Drs Suhardi Alius suggested a joint exercise program for the PNP and RMP similar to the existing Philippines-Indonesia (PHILINDO) Joint Police Maritime Law Enforcement Exercise (MARLEX).

MARLEX aims to address transnational threats in Sulu and Sulawesi Sea such as illicit drug trafficking, terrorism, arms smuggling, human trafficking, illegal fishing, maritime fraud and other crimes at high seas which requires enhanced security cooperation, coordination and coordinated maritime law enforcement response between the law enforcement agencies of the two countries.

Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines share a vast tri-border corridor in the Sulu-Sulawesi Sea, a vital sea lane for trade and commerce in the Asia-Pacific region.

The three countries signed a memorandum of agreement last May 13, 2002 to strengthen cooperation, recognizing the value of enhancing bilateral defense, and establishing a framework to facilitate cooperation and interoperability.

The agreement deals on information exchange procedures and establishment of communication procedures on terrorism, money laundering, smuggling, piracy and robbery at sea, hijacking, intrusion, illegal entry, drug trafficking, theft of marine resources, marine pollution, illicit trafficking in arms and other similar matters.

Under the agreement, the participating countries shall designate an organization to act as the communication cum liaison center within its respective territory, staffed by representatives from defense, security or police of the respective countries, for the implementation of the agreement.

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