BANDAR SERI BEGAWAN; Brunei Darussalam’s whole-of-nation and whole-of-government approach to combating trafficking in persons was highlighted by Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Haji Azree bin Haji Abd Manaf, chairman of the Working Committee on Trafficking in Persons, who delivered the country’s statement at the country presentation session of the 4th Regional Meeting of Southeast Asian National Anti-Trafficking Committees in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, the Philippines, from Oct 12 to 16, 2026.
He noted that labour trafficking remained the predominant trend. He also expressed appreciation to the Philippine government for the close cooperation between the two countries and reaffirmed Brunei Darussalam’s commitment to regional cooperation in combating trafficking in persons.
The meeting continued with the development of a regional campaign, during which ASEAN member states agreed on the campaign message, “One ASEAN, One Action: Stop the Digital Trap.
Break the Chains of Human Trafficking”, focusing on preventing trafficking through deceptive online recruitment and technology-facilitated exploitation.
The meeting concluded with a plenary session reflecting on its key insights, during which ASEAN member states identified commitments, areas for bilateral and multilateral cooperation, and opportunities to sustain the networks and cooperation established through the regional meeting.
The delegation from Brunei Darussalam was led by ACP Haji Azree, accompanied by a senior officer from the Prime Minister’s Office.
The meeting was convened by the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking (IACAT) of the Philippines under the theme “From Shared Concerns to Regional Action: Advancing Awareness and Advocacy Against Trafficking in Persons”, in conjunction with the Philippines’ ASEAN chairmanship in 2026.
The regional meeting is an annual platform for direct, informal and sustained engagement among the national anti-trafficking committees of ASEAN member states, complementing existing ASEAN mechanisms under the ASEAN Convention Against Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children (ACTIP).
Building on the outcomes of the previous three meetings, this year’s meeting focused on strengthening regional awareness and advocacy, and identifying practical areas for continued cooperation. - Borneo Bulletin/ANN
