Philippines Police To Set Up Forward Base To Address Cross-Border Crime

PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), July 29 (Bernama) -- The Philippine police have agreed to set up a forward base in the southern part of the republic, especially to address cross-border crimes in the South China Sea. Malaysian Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said the matter was decided during a meeting with his counterpart, General Ronald Marapon Dela Rosa, in conjunction with the 36th Aseanapol Conference here Wednesday. He said further discussion on the matter, including on the location of the forward base and when would it be set up, would be decided by the Philippine police soon. "For further action, the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), through the Sabah police commissioner (Abdul Rashid Harun) will discuss with the commander of the southern Philippine police. "The forward base's function is to detect criminal activities, like smuggling of firearms and abduction in the southern Philippines because in Malaysia, we already have the forward base," he said at a media conference after closing the conference Thursday. On efforts to curb firearms smuggling, particularly from Thailand, Khalid said PDRM's Border Intelligence Unit, which is based in Alor Setar, northern state of Kedah, had stepped up patrol and conducted preventive operations with the cooperation of the Thai police. He said the security teams on both sides of the borders should act more effectively to address the problem. On efforts to prevent the entry of Daesh militant members or former members, Khalid said the police in Asean countries had agreed to strengthen forensic cooperation, especially to detect the movement of militant members who might want to make the Asean countries as their transit. Towards that end, a meeting will be held soon to discuss related matters, including sharing of experience and expertise in forensic, he added. On an allegation that the National Security Council Act, to be enforced next month, would be used for political purposes, including to prevent street rallies, Khalid said the law would be used only when an action that threatened the country's security was committed. "If planning to hold an assembly, the party concerned will have to apply and sent a notice to the police and we will extend the necessary cooperation in accordance with the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012," he added. On a proposal by RISDA to carry out commercial farming of ketum. Khalid said a scientific study had to be conducted to determine its benefit to medicine and its abuse. "After that, I suggest RISDA apply to the Health Ministry for approval to plant it as ketum is categorised as a scheduled drug," he added. -- BERNAMA