The Philippines is directing regional strategies to reinforce security collaboration against cross-border criminal activities as interior and security ministers gather in Metro Manila for the 20th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime (AMMTC) and Related Meetings scheduled from October 19 to 21.
Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Juanito Victor C. Remulla, acting as the Philippines’ AMMTC Leader, will guide high-level deliberations targeting key threats, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, cybercrime, illicit weapons smuggling, and money laundering.
As ASEAN’s leading policy-making mechanism on cross-border security, the AMMTC oversees regional strategies aimed at mitigating transnational criminal networks and improving border security framework integration.
The three-day conference will incorporate multilateral consultations with East Asian dialogue partners China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea to expand inter-regional security cooperation.
Delegates will review proposed declarations focused on countering online sexual exploitation, stopping the proliferation of child abuse material across artificial intelligence and digital channels, and elevating the involvement of regional law enforcement bodies during natural disasters and emergency operations.
The event aligns with the Philippines achieving a Tier 1 ranking in the U.S. Trafficking in Persons Report for its 11th straight year, affirming adherence to baseline international requirements for eradicating human trafficking.
The official proceedings will conclude with the Philippines transferring the AMMTC chairmanship to Singapore, passing leadership responsibilities in ASEAN’s ongoing law enforcement efforts.
By organizing the 20th AMMTC and its associated sessions, the Philippines underscores its dedication to regional unity and collaborative security frameworks designed to counter evolving criminal threats.