Remulla: No ASEAN member state should face transnational crimes alone

MANILA — Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla on Tuesday called for stronger cooperation among Southeast Asian nations to combat transnational crimes, warning that criminal networks are exploiting digital technology and gaps in cross-border law enforcement.

“No member state should face these threats alone. No criminal network should be allowed to exploit the gaps between our jurisdictions,” Remulla said in his opening remarks at the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime in Makati City.

Remulla cited reports estimating that online scam operations in parts of Southeast Asia could cause approximately $114 billion in economic losses annually.

Behind these losses are victims of fraud, human trafficking and exploitation, he said, noting that criminal activities are increasingly interconnected and operate across multiple jurisdictions.

“Alongside them, there is drug trafficking, terrorism, and violent extremism. People smuggling and armed smuggling continue to threaten our region. Our response must just be as coordinated. We need effective new law enforcement,” Remulla said.

The DILG chief said ASEAN members must strengthen intelligence sharing, conduct joint law enforcement operations and build the capacity of investigators to respond to increasingly sophisticated criminal networks.

He also underscored the need for victim protection, public awareness and stronger cooperation with the private sector, particularly technology companies.

Under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines is committed to real-time intelligence sharing, joint operations and capacity building, Remulla said.

The meeting will also advance regional cooperation under the ASEAN Plan of Action in Combating Transnational Crime 2026-2035, with a focus on equipping law enforcement agencies with specialized cybercrime units, digital forensics capabilities and financial investigation expertise.

Remulla said the agreements and outcome documents from the gathering should translate into concrete measures ahead of the 49th ASEAN Leaders’ Summit next month.

“What strengthens one Member State strengthens the region. A threat left unaddressed in one jurisdiction puts others at risk,” he added.

Remulla said regional security ultimately means protecting families, preventing the exploitation of workers and ensuring children grow up in communities free from violence and criminal influence.