Manila, Sept. 16 -- The Philippine National Police (PNP) has stepped up cross-border coordination with the United States Department of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) to track down traffickers and perpetrators of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children, including those operating outside the country.

PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr. said stronger international cooperation would give Philippine authorities greater capacity to pursue offenders whose operations extend beyond the country, in line with the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. and Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla to intensify police capability and ensure responsive service delivery.

"Our partnership with US HSI strengthens our ability to...