MANILA, Philippines ? Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan has been unanimously elected chair of the Directors-General of Immigration Departments and Heads of Consular Affairs Divisions of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs (DGICM) during its 13th meeting hosted by the Philippines.

Director-General Dato Abdul Rahman Othman of Malaysia transferred the chairmanship of the DGICM to Libanan, and urged him to continue the DGICM?s work in enhancing cooperation among its member countries on immigration matters.

??We believe that Commissioner Libanan can lead the organization into a new height so that it would actively respond to the growing needs of its member-countries in the field of trade, investment and tourism,?? Othman said.

DGICM, according to the immigration bureau?s press statement, is a high-level ad hoc committee that was established to carry out specific, concrete and solid framework for immigration cooperation in the region. This year?s DGICM aims to continue efforts to address transnational crimes such as drug trafficking, human trafficking and terrorism, while promoting regional trade, investment and tourism.

In her speech marking the opening of the annual regional meeting, Justice Secretary Agnes Devanadera said ??no amount of latest technology can cope with the demand on border protection.??

??We should be open to the realization of the problems that confront us. As we seek solutions, we should also consider (each member-country?s) culture and beliefs. We should localize,?? Devanadera said.

Devenadera cited the DGICM for facilitating the sharing of information on immigration matters, which addresses the problems arising from the differences in cultures and local settings of the member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.