Top US anti-narcotics official in PH to discuss maritime law enforcement
State Assistant Secretary William Brownfield, head of the US Dept of State International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), faces media after meeting with PNP chief Director General Ricardo Marquez. JULLIANE LOVE DE JESUS/INQUIRER.net
To discuss the intensified maritime law enforcement efforts in the country, a US anti-narcotics official visited the Philippine National Police headquarters, meeting the PNP’s top cop on Wednesday.
State Assistant Secretary William Brownfield, head of the US Dept of State International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL), was at the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame to meet with Director General Ricardo Marquez.
Brownfield was accompanied by US Coast Guard Admiral Paul Zukunft.
After discussing with the PNP chief, Brownfield will meet with Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.
The US currently supports projects of the PNP on maritime law enforcement against trafficking. It also supports the anti-cybercrime unit of the PNP as well as institutional reforms relative to training and education.
Prior to his Manila visit, Brownfield met with PNP officials last September 3 to discuss “different avenues where the US government is supporting the PNP.”
The INL is the agency in US tasked to combat international crime and illegal drugs. But at the same time, it covers the full spectrum of law enforcement including police professionalization, justice sector development, correctional institution reform and citizen security strengthening.
The agency currently manages $20 million foreign assistance to the Philippines. It also plans to dole out $8 million worth of assistance to the country annually.
The financial aid was meant to expand the capabilities of the INL’s partner agencies. Julliane Love de Jesus, INQUIRER.net/CDG
