The Narcotics Control Bureau of the Ministry of Public Security of the People's Republic of China and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) have signed a protocol on cooperation on Thursday (Oct. 20) in Beijing, China, to effectively deal with drug crimes between the two countries. The agreement was signed by PDEA Director General Isidro S. Lapeña and China's Director General of Narcotics Control Bureau Hu Minglang.

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Under the protocol, China and Philippines have agreed to collaborate on information and data exchange of drug crimes such as updated list and, as much as possible, complete profile of drug suspects and status of the arrested drug personalities who are citizens of each country, the Manila Bulletin reported quoting Lapeña.

Lapeña also said this is for the intent of cooperation in carrying out investigations, assistance in repatriation of drug criminals, and exchange and training of narcotics investigators.

Also, both countries have agreed to collaborate through frequent consultation and hold yearly meetings when necessary, Manila Times noted.

"Recognizing that the drug menace is a lingering problem that is transnational in character and global in scope, the Philippines and PRC have vowed to work together to liberate their territories from the bondage of illegal drugs," Lapeña said.

Meanwhile, describing his recent visit in China as a "turning point" in relations to both countries, Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte said "both countries are fully capable of working together for mutual beneficial cooperation."

"To combat the menace of illegal drugs, we will continue across a broad range of areas, including in capacity building, equipment upgrading, and support for rehabilitation," Duterte said as cited by The Gulf News. 

TagsPDEA, Philippines, china, Philippines drug war, Drugs