The Philippines and Indonesia have agreed to enhance joint initiatives aimed at combating transnational crimes, including online scam operations and human trafficking, following a bilateral meeting at the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) main office in Pasay City on Wednesday.
The commitment was formalized during the 4th Philippines–Indonesia Joint Consular Consultation Meeting, which centered on improving cooperation regarding consular issues, immigration policies, and the safety of their respective citizens.
Delegates from both nations addressed strategies to neutralize online scam hubs and human trafficking rings, alongside measures to accelerate inter-agency notifications and expand access to consular assistance.
The agenda also encompassed reviews of visa and immigration regulations as well as stronger welfare safeguards for migrant workers and overseas nationals.
Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration Maria Theresa Dizon-De Vega co-chaired the meeting for the Philippines alongside Saud Purwanto Krisnawan, director general for Protocol and Consular Affairs of Indonesia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
“The JCCM serves as a vital bilateral mechanism that reflects the shared commitment of both nations to advance the welfare and protection of their respective nationals,” the DFA said in a statement.
Various Philippine government institutions participated in the proceedings, including the Department of Justice, Department of Migrant Workers, Department of National Defense, Bureau of Immigration, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, and Philippine National Police.
Additional participating offices included the Bureau of Corrections, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, Bureau of Internal Revenue, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Philippine Statistics Authority.
The consultation marks an ongoing effort between the two neighboring countries to solidify coordination on cross-border security challenges while safeguarding the rights and well-being of Filipinos and Indonesians.