On 13 June 2025, the Executive Director of the ASEANAPOL Secretariat, Police Colonel David Martinez Vinluan, paid a courtesy call to the newly appointed Chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), Police General Nicolas D. Torre III. He was joined by Police Colonel Harol Depositar, Chief of the Inter-Agency and International Affairs Division (IAIAD) of the PNP Directorate for Plans. The visit was held at the National Headquarters in Camp BGen Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, Philippines.
Police General Torre was officially designated as the 31st Chief of the Philippine National Police by His Excellency Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., President of the Republic of the Philippines, effective 2 June 2025. Notably, he is the first alumnus of the Philippine National Police Academy (PNPA) to be appointed to this prestigious position—a historic milestone that was warmly acknowledged by fellow PNPA alumni Police Colonel Vinluan and Police Colonel Depositar during the meeting.
Executive Director Vinluan extended his heartfelt congratulations to Police General Torre, recognizing his exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to public service. He also conveyed sincere gratitude for the continued support of the Philippine National Police throughout his deployment in Malaysia, particularly in advancing the programs and priorities of the ASEANAPOL Secretariat.
During the meeting, Executive Director Vinluan provided an overview of ASEANAPOL’s mandate and ongoing efforts to strengthen police-to-police cooperation among ASEAN member countries, Dialogue Partners, Observers, and other like-minded organizations. He underscored ASEANAPOL’s vital role in addressing transnational crime through strategic coordination, shared operational efforts, and capacity-building across the region.
The discussions also focused on key upcoming activities, including the 43rd ASEANAPOL Conference to be held in Bangkok, Thailand from 30 July to 3 August 2025. Executive Director Vinluan expressed appreciation for the PNP’s strong commitment to host the 44th ASEANAPOL Conference in Manila in 2026—an important opportunity for the Philippines to showcase leadership in fostering regional security collaboration.
Both parties reaffirmed their dedication to enhancing regional cooperation and maintaining open lines of communication. Executive Director Vinluan reiterated the ASEANAPOL Secretariat’s readiness to support the PNP as a coordination and communication hub for international engagements, particularly in addressing the complex challenges posed by transnational organized crime.
The meeting concluded on a high note, symbolizing not only the strengthening of institutional ties between the PNP and ASEANAPOL but also the inspiring bond of shared service and brotherhood among PNPA alumni. This renewed collaboration reflects a unified vision for a safer, more secure, and resilient ASEAN community.
