Prosecutorial cooperation between the Philippines and China has set an example for other countries in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to create a broader platform to jointly combat transnational crime, said the Philippines’ top prosecutor.

The Philippines “has a legal assistance treaty with China, which was signed 20 years ago. I think that is something that should also be established with other countries”, said Richard Anthony Fadullon, prosecutor general of the Philippines.

Noting that it has always been a problem for China and ASEAN countries when fugitives flee to another country, Fadullon said bilateral agreements can allow the facilitation of their return so they can be prosecuted in the countries where they committed the crime.

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He said extradition is not an easy process, but having a treaty in place would make it easier to address commitments made with partner countries.

Fadullon, who was attending the 15th China-ASEAN Prosecutors-General Conference, said if such legal cooperation can be achieved among all ASEAN member states and China, a better and safer place can be created for people in the region.

Held in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region from Sept 22 to 24, the conference brought together the region’s top prosecutors to discuss key topics under the theme “Combating Money Laundering and Corruption, and Recovering Assets in the Technological Age”.

“We have to understand that the crimes now have evolved in a way where it is no longer limited to the territorial jurisdiction of one particular country,” said Fadullon, citing transnational crimes such as human trafficking, terrorist financing, and cybercrime.

With the advancement of technology, crimes can be committed in various jurisdictions, making it necessary for different countries to establish a law-enforcing mechanism by which they are not restricted by territorial jurisdictions.

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Noting there is a large Filipino population in Hong Kong, Fadullon said it is important for the Philippines to maintain judicial and prosecution cooperation with Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland to ensure the protection of its nationals in the SAR.

“We are not only bound by the fact that we are geographically close to each other but the fact that our cultures are intertwined with each other,” said Fadullon. He added that this has resulted in stronger judicial and prosecution cooperation between the Philippines and the Chinese mainland, as well as Hong Kong.

With the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOM)’s headquarters in Hong Kong, Fadullon said Hong Kong could serve as a mediation hub, sharing its experience with the Philippines and promoting mutual learning.

Contact the writer at kelly@chinadailyapac.com