Phnom Penh, Cambodia — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet witnessed the exchange of notes between Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro and Cambodia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Prak Sokhonn, expanding cooperation to combat transnational crimes.
This amendment to the 2016 Memorandum of Understanding between the Philippine National Police and the Cambodian National Police, reflects the two governments’ shared determination to strengthen actions against non-traditional security concerns, including human trafficking, cybercrime, and online fraud.
During his address, President Marcos acknowledged the pressing challenges that transcend borders, such as human trafficking, cybercrime, illicit drugs, and other transnational threats, which affect the safety of citizens and the stability of societies.
He added, “It is in this spirit that we agreed to strengthen collaboration among our law enforcement and security institutions, so that our collective response will be swift, coordinated, and effective”.
The exchange of notes took place during President Marcos’ State Visit to Cambodia on September 8, 2025, following a bilateral meeting between the two leaders.
Additionally, the leaders also witnessed the signing of agreements on air services and higher education cooperation, aimed at strengthening people-to-people ties through enhanced connectivity and human capital development in the ASEAN neighborhood. — Alea Crazu, Contributor