Taiwan is an indispensable partner in Philippines’ war on drugs
2017/10/11
Taiwan is an indispensable partner of the Philippines in the war against illicit drug trafficking, with local authorities having made significant contributions to tackling related transnational crimes, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Oct. 5.
Since the signing of several agreements between the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in the Philippines and the Manila Economic and Cultural Office in Taiwan, Taiwan has achieved successful and tangible results in combating transnational drug-related crimes, the MOFA said. Such accords include a memorandum of understanding on combating transnational crimes; an agreement on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters; and a memorandum on cooperation in combating drug abuse and illicit trafficking of controlled substances, inked 2017, 2013 and 2007, respectively.
As a direct result of collaborative projects between the two sides, authorities in the Philippines have cracked 12 major cross-border cases and seized over NT$20 billion in finished and semi-finished illicit drugs in the past three years, according to the MOFA. This demonstrates the close and effective partnership between the two nations, the ministry added.
TECO representative Gary Song-huann Lin said Taiwan is a close and indispensable partner in the Philippines’ war on drugs. He added that the nation will continue to fully support the Southeast Asian neighbor’s efforts to combat drug syndicates, stressing the importance of joint efforts.
Philippine authorities have publicly praised Taiwan on many occasions, stating that it is one of the Southeast Asian nation’s best partners in the fight against transnational drug-related criminal activities, TECO said. Entities such as the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, the National Bureau of Investigation and the Philippine National Police have commended Taiwan’s staunch support and strong cooperation, the office added.
Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/news.php?unit=2&post=122785)
