Strengthening cooperation with UAE for the benefit of the Philippines

Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr., Philippine Secretary of the Interior and Local Government, looked forward to the plans and cooperation with the UAE, recognizing the importance of peace and order to nation building and investing in prosperity.

Since becoming the mayor of Mandaluyong City for five terms (1998-2004) in Metro Manila and chairman of the Greater Manila Development Authority (MMDA) during the Duterte administration (2016-2022), the lawyer-turned-lawyer The civil servant has been Brig, director of the Anti-Cybercrime Unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP). General Sidney Henia, Brigadier General, Director, PNP Criminal Investigation and Detection Group. General Romeo Caramat Jr. and Colonel Roger Bilibli, Philippine Police Attaché in the UAE.

Abalos briefed Gulf Today on the Philippine-Arab joint venture during the double opening of the 9th Philippine Real Estate and Investment Exhibition and the 1st Philippine Economic and Investment Summit in Dubai on May 12-13. Emirate cooperation on peace and order on Friday.

Asked by reporters about the safety and security situation in the Philippines, Abalos discussed the development of peace and order cooperation, considering that foreign direct investors and citizens abroad will only be attracted to invest in their respective countries if safety is guaranteed, in addition to infrastructure and logistical improvements. Beyond that, there is safety and security.

He said: “I’ll give you a number, from July 2021 to May 2022, when people are afraid to leave their homes because of the pandemic, the index crime volume is 34,758. Compare that to the same period from 2022 to 2023, when activity resumes. And when there is no blockage at all, the figure drops to 4.2% to 33,298.

Murder suspect in Degamo-Teves case arrested in record time. The suspect in Percy Rapid’s murder surrendered within 48 hours. Now the efficiency of solving the case is very fast. Of the 953 police generals and colonels we have asked for courtesy resignations (in connection with the illegal drug laundering), 4 of them already face administrative charges and 32 others are under investigation. Crimes are still happening and I think they are disproportionate. “

“About one policeman for every 700-800 people. We have the equipment. But just like any other discipline, we should be ready to understand and adopt innovations and new trends. We must be willing to learn more and practice more. I want to emulate the leadership of the UAE What man has done to make the country peaceful. The reason why the delegation is here too,” Abalos continued, adding that the team was organized by the UAE Deputy Minister and Minister of the Interior Saif bin Zayed Al Lieutenant General Nahyan came here on a “policy invitation”, whom he first met in February this year during the “World Government Summit” in Dubai.

According to Abalos, he was “surprised” that on Thursday night and hours after he met Lt. invitation. Police officers at Dubai Police Academy are responsible for Cybercrime, Anti-Money Laundering, Illegal Drugs. This is just the tip of the iceberg and once I get home I’ll work on that so we can send our junior officers and generals. I believe in institutional knowledge building. “

Keynote speeches for the event were Alfonso Ferdinand Ver, Ambassador of the Philippines to the UAE, Renato Duenas Jr., Consul General of the Philippines in Dubai and the Northern Emirates, Awad Mohammed Sheikh Al Mujrin, Chairman of the UAE Tourism Festival, and Yacoub Ali, Senior Advisor, Sheikh Juma Al Maktoum Private Office, Abalos Presented an update on developments making the Southeast Asian country an option for foreign investment, such as special investor residency visas: “We are excited about the extraordinary economic prospects ahead of us. Our aim is to improve operations, governance at all levels from grassroots to industry and ease of process. This commitment will ensure a seamless and efficient business environment. We would like to express our deepest gratitude to the people of the UAE for their strong belief in our country and making us immensely proud to be Filipinos. “