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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider PNP pursues cross-border fugitive tracking via facial recognition technology

PNP pursues cross-border fugitive tracking via facial recognition technology

Published Jul 27, 2026 10:55 am
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has strengthened coordination with its counterparts in Southeast Asia on cross-border efforts to track fugitives by maximizing the use of facial recognition technology.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr, said the move is intended to fast track intelligence sharing with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations Chiefs of Police (Aseanapol) against wanted fugitives.
He cited past cases of efficient intelligence-sharing against wanted criminals that were recognized, arrested and deported through facial recognition technology.
“The responsible use of facial recognition technology will enable faster verification of identities, more efficient exchange of intelligence, and quicker coordination among ASEAN police organizations,” said Nartatez.
“These advancements will help us detect, locate, and apprehend fugitives who attempt to evade justice by crossing international borders,” he added.
The technology stands to benefit ASEAN members especially that some wanted criminals would seek refuge in any country in Southeast Asia to avoid arrest. In the case of the Philippines, less than five percent of around 500,000 Filipino wanted fugitives were monitored to be abroad.
Nartatez stressed that the responsible use of facial recognition technology will improve the country's ability to identify fugitives who attempt to evade arrest by leaving the Philippines.
The directive follows the conclusion of the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference hosted by the PNP, where police leaders endorsed the modernization of the electronic ASEANAPOL Database System (e-ADS).
The long-term program includes the wider use of facial recognition technology and stronger forensic cooperation to improve the identification of fugitives and suspects moving across borders.
Nartatez earlier noted that regional coordination has already led to the arrest and deportation of several wanted persons, including the arrest of fugitive Master Sgt. Rizal Alih in Sabah, Malaysia.
He also cited previous deportations of wanted persons from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and China through close coordination with international law enforcement partners.
“The Philippine National Police remains committed to ensuring that stronger regional cooperation results in faster action against fugitives and greater public safety for the Filipino people and the ASEAN community,” Nartatez said.
He said the conference also highlighted the importance of sustained cooperation among law enforcement agencies in addressing crimes that extend beyond national boundaries.
“We will continue working with our Aseanapol counterparts to further improve information-sharing mechanisms and operational coordination so that alerts on wanted persons can be acted upon more quickly,” said Nartatez.

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