By ORCHY REX
Papua New Guinea has been elected to the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol) Asian Region Committee, marking a major step forward in its role in regional security.
The announcement was made by Police Commissioner David Manning yesterday following last week’s Interpol Asian Region Conference in Singapore, where police forces from 49 countries gathered to address key issues including cybercrime, fugitive tracking, and child exploitation.
“As the largest Pacific Island Police Force, it was recognized that PNG provides significant input into regional security and combatting cross-border crime,” Commissioner Manning said.
He emphasized PNG’s commitment to tackling regional threats, noting: “Papua New Guinea’s priority is to harness the power of regional collaboration to meet criminal threats to our communities. This increased engagement will enhance our capacity to intercept international criminals trying to exploit our country, while providing valuable input to Asia-Pacific law enforcement.”
Commissioner Manning confirmed that Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Hodges Ette has been appointed to represent PNG on the committee. “ACP Ette will represent PNG well at this high-level Interpol forum, and carry the respect of his international peers,” Manning said.
“With many years of experience in front-line policing, ACP Ette has commanded complex investigations into transnational narcotic syndicates, money laundering, and child exploitation,” he added.
The conference also highlighted growing concerns about transnational crime, particularly in the Pacific and Asia. “The increased trafficking of drugs and weapons, and the laundering of money, poses a significant threat to the safety of communities across the Pacific and Asia. The fight against cyber-enabled child exploitation and other online criminal activity is another rising threat to our people,” Manning stressed.
Interpol Secretary General Valdecy Urquiza praised the election outcome, underscoring the value of regional collaboration. “The threats we face today demand a faster, smarter and more united response,” Urquiza said. “Gathering police leaders from across Asia, and beyond, is an opportunity to identify ways to build resilience and develop a common strategy to benefit the region in our shared mission to make the world a safer place.”
Papua New Guinea joins Fiji, Australia, China, India, the United Arab Emirates, Korea and the Philippines on the Interpol Asian Region Committee.