Korea and Philippine Police Expand Cooperation... Joint Efforts on Extradition of Fugitives

Strengthening Joint Response to Transnational Crimes
Calls for Strict Measures Against Violent Crimes Targeting Koreans

The National Police Agency is strengthening its joint response system to transnational crimes with Philippine law enforcement authorities, embarking on enhanced cooperation such as the extradition of Korean fugitives. Additional personnel will be dispatched to reinforce the role of the "Korean Desk."

Acting Commissioner Yoo Jaesung of the National Police Agency held a security summit with Jose Melenchio Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police, on the 3rd (local time) in Manila, Philippines. Marking this occasion, the two countries agreed to revise the memorandum of understanding (MOU) on police cooperation and significantly strengthen collaboration in responding to transnational crimes and protecting overseas nationals.

Acting Commissioner Yoo Jaesung of the Korean National Police Agency held a security summit with Jose Melenchior Nartatez Jr., Chief of the Philippine National Police, in Manila, Philippines, on the 3rd (local time). Korean National Police Agency

This revision is the second since the MOU was first signed in 2007. Its core focus is to go beyond existing investigative cooperation and strengthen the response system against increasingly sophisticated transnational crimes such as drug offenses and online scams.

First, the heads of the two police agencies agreed to enhance the sharing of investigative information and work closely together for the swift apprehension and extradition of overseas fugitives based on the revised MOU. Acting Commissioner Yoo also plans to meet with Joel Anthony Viado, Commissioner of the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, and Benjamin Acorda Jr., Chair of the Organized Crime Response Committee, to discuss ways to strengthen cooperation, including improving the extradition procedures for Korean fugitives.

This year, the National Police Agency plans to dispatch one additional police cooperation officer to the Metropolitan Police of the Philippines during the first half of the year. This measure is intended to strengthen the function of the "Korean Desk," which has been in operation since 2012, and to proactively respond to the recent resurgence in violent crimes targeting Koreans. During the summit, Acting Commissioner Yoo referenced the 2016 murder of a Korean national committed by Philippine police, requesting the swift arrest and strict legal punishment of the main perpetrator.

The number of Korean homicide cases in the Philippines has decreased to an annual level of two to five cases since 2021, thanks to high-level security exchanges and official development assistance (ODA) projects that have enhanced police capabilities. However, as violent crimes are on the rise again locally, Acting Commissioner Yoo is believed to have urged the Philippine police for special attention.

Additionally, Acting Commissioner Yoo proposed to further strengthen practical cooperation through the International Integrated Cooperation Agency (IICA), led by the Korean police with participation from the Philippine police, and the Asia Narcotics Crime Response Association (ANCRA). He also invited a Philippine police delegation to the International Conference on Narcotics Investigation (ICON), which will be held in Seoul this year.

Acting Commissioner Yoo emphasized, "The Philippines has been a key partner working hand in hand with the Korean police for a long time," adding, "Through this enhanced cooperation, we will achieve tangible results in protecting the lives and safety of our citizens."

Lee Jaeyoung, Director General for International Police Cooperation at the National Police Agency, stated, "As a member of the pan-governmental transnational crime special response task force, the National Police Agency is building strategic partnerships with major law enforcement agencies worldwide. We will not only apprehend criminals and recover criminal proceeds, but also protect public safety and lead the establishment of international security standards."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.