Philippines moves to boost technology and tools for monitoring illegal border crossings

At a press briefing during the ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Transnational Crime, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla acknowledged persistent problems with illegal border crossings in the Philippines. He outlined a multi-agency effort to upgrade monitoring technology and acquire stronger enforcement tools for the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine National Police and the BID. Remulla warned that the backdoor issue is intricate and resists simplistic solutions.

The announcement follows his earlier comment that businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang, accused of orchestrating disappearances of sabungeros, had left the country through a backdoor route. He also noted that discussions on an extradition treaty were part of the ASEAN forum’s agenda and will be adopted by heads of state next month.