Asia and Pacific countries tackle cybercrime at landmark conference in Manila

Representatives of INTERPOL Asia and South Pacific Joint Operations on Cybercrime (ASPJOC) convened the first Working Group in Manila from 17 to 19 September to promote cooperation and exchange good practices in order to enhance their capacity in the fight against cybercrime.

The Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC), in collaboration with the Philippine Center for Transnational Crime (PCTC), organized the three-day event, which was attended by ASPJOC member states including Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, Laos, Malaysia, Marshall Islands, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Samoa, Singapore, Solomon Islands, Thailand, Timor-Leste, Vanuatu and Vietnam.

Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin considered the ASPJOC meeting necessary to effectively combat cybercrime and break down barriers that hinder law enforcement practices.

“It is through these working group meetings that we can address the cross-representations of cybercrime. It is also through these meetings that we can share best practices, develop robust mechanisms for sharing cybercrime information and promote cooperation between law enforcement agencies,” he said in a speech at the fellowship night.

The Executive Secretary also stressed that the Philippines is committed to playing an active role in the global fight against cybercrime.

“As we gather here tonight, let us remember that the fight against cybercrime is not just a technical challenge. It is a fight to protect our citizens, our institutions and our way of life. It is a fight that requires unwavering commitment, cooperation and teamwork,” he said.

Alexander K. Ramos, Director of CICC, thanked INTERPOL and the members of the ASPJOC for choosing the Philippines as the location for the first meeting.

“We are honoured to welcome the delegates from Asia and the South Pacific and to be part of this historic event,” he said.
The CICC Director said the three-day working group meeting had been very useful in building cooperation and learning from best practices from other countries.

“Cybercriminals know no borders. That is why the fight against cybercrime must be borderless,” he stressed.
Enrique Hernandez Gonzalez, Deputy Director of Cybercrime Operations at INTERPOL’s Cybercrime Directorate, explained that the meeting was called a “working group” rather than a “conference” to encourage participants to continue working together even when they return to their home countries.

“For us it is important that we follow up and continue the communication when we are all back home,” he said.

“Once we get home, stay in touch, keep sharing information, keep my team at the ASP (Asia and South Pacific) office informed of what you are doing, what is happening, so that we can continue to work together and we can ensure that the ASP region becomes a safer region in the months ahead.

Issued by the Office of Executive Director Alexander K. Ramos