From November 18 to 22, 2024, representatives from the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, including Senior Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Huu Ngoc, Director for Police Services, and Deputy Superintendent of Police Suresh Subramaniam, Director for Plans and Programmes, under the supervision of Executive Director David Martinez Vinluan, attended the Pre-Deployment Meeting and Training for Operation Maharlika 4 in Hanoi, Vietnam. This meeting, hosted by INTERPOL, was part of efforts to enhance regional cooperation in combating terrorism and addressing other security challenges in Southeast Asia. The ASEANAPOL Secretariat’s participation underscores its ongoing commitment to strengthening law enforcement collaboration in the region. Participants in the meeting included representatives from 4 Brunei, 6 Cambodia, 3 Malaysia, 5 Indonesia, 5 Laos, 6 Philippines, 1 Singapore, 5 Thailand, 8 Vietnam, 2 ASEANAPOL Secretariat members, and 6 INTERPOL experts.
The CT-SEA Project, funded by the Government of Japan, is a key initiative aimed at fostering collaboration among Southeast Asian nations to address common terrorism threats and transnational security challenges. The project focuses on several activities, including operational measures, awareness campaigns on INTERPOL’s biometric services, and enhancing the exchange of police data. The project runs for twelve months, from March 1, 2024, to February 28, 2025, and aims to ensure that Southeast Asian law enforcement agencies are equipped to respond to emerging threats effectively.
The five-day meeting, held at the Novotel Suites Hanoi, brought together experts and key stakeholders from ASEANAPOL member countries, INTERPOL, and other regional law enforcement agencies. This session served as a follow-up to prior discussions and provided comprehensive briefings on Border Security Operations and national operational plans for the year ahead. Planned activities for the CT-SEA Project, including specialized training, technical assistance, and collaborative efforts to strengthen border security and counter-terrorism, were also discussed in detail.
A key component of the meeting was the Table-Top Exercise (TTX), designed to assess the operational readiness of the participating countries in simulated scenarios. The TTX aimed to enhance collaboration and interoperability among regional law enforcement agencies, ensuring they are prepared to respond effectively to security threats. The exercise allowed participants to refine communication and coordination protocols, strengthening the collective response capabilities of ASEAN countries.
The meeting was guided by INTERPOL experts, including Ms. Jann-Michelle Chardenet, Principal Project Assistant, and Mr. Simon Fernan III, Criminal Intelligence Officer for CT-OPS. Their expertise in operational collaboration and information sharing played a vital role in ensuring that participants were well-prepared to implement the CT-SEA Project’s activities. ASEANAPOL’s involvement in this crucial meeting reflects its role as a central coordinator for regional police services, working alongside INTERPOL and other partners to address evolving security challenges and maintain regional stability.
"Together We Keep This Region Safe"