The Philippines and China are aiming to finalize an agreement on the exchange of convicts so the prisoners can serve their sentences in their home countries.
President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping have agreed to hasten discussions on the proposed prisoner transfer pact during their meeting in Malacañang last week. The proposal is part of the leaders’ resolve to strengthen cooperation in combating transnational crimes such as illegal drugs, terrorism, and human trafficking.
“Both sides agree to speed up the discussions with a view to signing a bilateral agreement on Transfer of Sentenced Persons,” a joint statement on Xi’s recent state visit to Manila said.
In a meeting with Duterte, Xi has also expressed support to the Philippine government’s campaign against illegal drugs and agreed to share intelligence to combat the menace and help with drug rehabilitation efforts.
“China reiterates its firm support to the Philippine government’s efforts in fighting against illicit drugs and drug-related crimes, and expresses willingness to strengthen cooperation in areas including combating the smuggling of illegal drugs and their precursor chemicals, intelligence sharing, joint investigation and operation, as well as drug rehabilitation,” the statement said.
Duterte thanked China’s help in his administration’s anti-drug campaign, including the drug rehabilitation efforts.
“The Philippines spoke highly of the completion of the drug rehabilitation center in Sarangani province and the construction of the rehabilitation center in Agusan del Sur, both financed by China through grants, and conveyed its appreciation to China for its assistance in personnel training and donation of drug detection, seizure, and testing equipment,” the statement read.
Manila and Beijing likewise agreed to strengthen cooperation on law enforcement during the meeting of the two leaders. They agreed to “enhance cooperation and communication to combat transnational crimes, including job-related crimes, telecommunications fraud, illegal online gambling, cybercrimes, human trafficking, and illegal wildlife trade.”
The two countries also strongly condemned terrorism in all forms and agreed “to cooperate in the areas of information exchange, and capacity building, among others, to jointly prevent and address such threats.”
