Malaysian, Philippine police to sign agreement in combating cross-border crimes

The Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) and the Philippine police will sign an agreement soon to combat cross-border crimes.

Deputy Home Minister Datuk Nur Jazlan Mohamed said the agreement would see both parties combining efforts to fight crimes involving the two countries.

He said the agreement would include an exchange of intelligence.

"This is all the result of the open attitude of the current government of the Philippines to fight cross-border crimes and they themselves have expedited the process of the agreement signing with the PDRM," he told reporters here today.

Earlier, he officiated a talk organised by the Special Secretariat for Empowerment of Indian Entrepreneurs (SEED) at the Taman Universiti Community Hall in Skudai here.

Nur Jazlan also welcomed the open and proactive attitude of the Philippine government in curbing the terrorist activities of militant groups such as the Abu Sayyaf.

At the same time, he said, this latest development would assist the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM) in stepping up patrols in east Sabah.

"It looks like efforts to ensure security in east Sabah has been well-received by the Philippine government.

"Previously, these efforts were limited and most were conducted on land in east Sabah, and has now been extended to the seas.

"When the Philippine government is proactive in its efforts to curb criminal activities by groups such as the Abu Sayyaf and in increasing patrols along the waters of the Philippines and Malaysia, it is a good move which will help ESSCOM perform their duties," he said.

Yesterday, ESSCOM Commander Datuk Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid said ESSCOM was prepared to face all possibilities, following the announcement by the Philippine government to go all out to destroy the Abu Sayyaf in the islands.