This week, Samoa’s Police Commissioner Auapa’au Logoitino Filipo has taken on the role of Commander for the Pacific Transnational Crime Network.
This was confirmed in a statement issued by the Ministry of Police and Prisons. Commissioner Auapa’au met virtually with the Pacific Transnational Crime Network (PTCN) Secretariat and the Australian Federal Police (APF) Commander Pacific, Melinda Phelan.
The meeting was to welcome the Commissioner to his role as the Chair of the PTCN, at the Pacific Transnational Crime Coordination Centre (PTCCC) and Samoa Transnational Crime Unit (S TCU) at the Fale Samoa.
Commander Phelan spoke about the complexity of the transnational crime landscape and the critical need for collaborative approaches, both across agencies and across the region.
Commander Phelan noted the PTCN has 28 TCUs across 20 Pacific members countries working together to disrupt transnational crime and reduce harm.
The Commander then introduced the Canberra-based PTCN Secretariat team to Commissioner Filipo stating “this is your team to help support you drive the PTCN forward”.
The PTCN Chair, Commissioner Auapa’au responded acknowledging the support for his new role and the need to be working together to progress joint outcomes, including enhancing information sharing across the region and sharing resources.
On behalf of the PTCN Secretariat, PTCCC Team Leader Mose Sioeli presented the PTCN Chair, Commissioner Filipo, with PTCN branded stationary items and shirts to assist him in his new role.
Mr Sioeli is a member from Samoa Immigration undertaking a secondment to the PTCCC.
Auapa’au was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Papalii Monalisa Tiai-Keti and Acting Deputy Commissioner Galumalemana Eneliko.
The PTCN is a program of the Pacific Islands Chiefs of Police and is a multi-agency law enforcement network working together across the Pacific to combat transnational crime. The PTCCC is the hub of the PTCN and has been hosted in Samoa since 2008. The PTCN is currently celebrating its 20th anniversary and this will include celebrations in Samoa in late 2022.
