Manila, Aug. 13 -- Regional cooperation is key to dismantling smuggling syndicates that operate across borders, Abra Lone District Rep. JB Bernos said on Thursday as he backed the Philippine National Police's (PNP) intensified coordination with Southeast Asian law enforcement agencies to curb the flow of illicit goods into the country.

"Smuggling is a regional problem - thus, solving it requires that we look at the issue at a regional level and seek to work more closely with our neighbor countries," Bernos said in a statement.

The lawmaker made the statement after Philippine National Police chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. announced that the PNP is intensifying surveillance operations and expanding coordination with Southeast Asia...