Koror, Palau – Palau is bolstering its border security measures to prevent criminal activity, according to President Surangel Whipps Jr.’s State of the Republic Address (SORA) delivered on Thursday.
President Whipps emphasized his administration’s focus on “promoting safety and securing our borders.” This includes recent membership in Interpol, the international police organization facilitating information sharing on crimes like human trafficking, drug smuggling, and cybercrime.
Palau also benefits from technical assistance from partners like the United States. A recent murder case was solved with international law enforcement cooperation, serving as a prime example of this partnership.
Securing Maritime Borders and Combating Drug Trafficking
President Whipps highlighted efforts to safeguard Palau’s maritime borders, including an agreement with the U.S. Coast Guard that enhances monitoring of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) for illegal fishing and other illicit activities.
Drug interdiction is another key priority. Law enforcement has confiscated significant quantities of methamphetamine in recent months, leading to arrests and prosecutions. Three foreign nationals now face lengthy sentences for drug trafficking and possession.
Boosting Law Enforcement Accountability
The government is committed to promoting accountability within law enforcement. This includes the establishment of a new Office of Professional Conduct to oversee officer training, and certification, and address misconduct. Additionally, the police department implemented random drug testing for officers in 2023.
Combating Human Trafficking
Palau is actively working to prevent human trafficking and improve its ranking on the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report. The goal is to transition from the Tier 2 Watch List to Tier 1.
Challenges and Looking Ahead
While Whipps lauded the Bureau of Public Safety, others see stark challenges of leadership at the Bureau of Public Safety (BPS). The Director had spent only five months out of the year in the country, managing the Bureau remotely. During Director Levitre’s absence, four different chiefs under the Bureau of Public Safety had had a turn as the Acting Director. However, the The President expressed support for the current approach, saying it provides opportunities for leadership development within the Bureau.
However, some critics argue that the drug problem has worsened, with hard drugs like methamphetamine being smuggled through ingestion, particularly by individuals from Asia. This concern was highlighted by the recent arrests of Chinese and Malaysian nationals connected to a local investigation.
President Whipps’ address underscores Palau’s commitment to strengthening border security, combating crime, and promoting law enforcement accountability. While challenges remain, the recent initiatives and international partnerships position Palau to enhance public safety.