Whipps backs regional policing plan, says it will help curb security issues

President Surangel Whipps Jr. has backed the Australian-funded policing program, which he says will help curb several security issues currently plaguing Palau, including drugs, human trafficking and illegal, underreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

Whipps approved the landmark regional policing plan while attending the annual Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) summit in Tonga.

The plan is aimed at limiting China’s security role in the region. Whipps has been an outspoken opponent of China’s attempts to pressure Palau to sever ties with Taiwan.

Whipps also accused China of launching multiple cyber attacks on Palau.

“We have illegal, unreported and unregulated trafficking, and now drug and human trafficking. Palau has experienced three major cybersecurity incidents in the last year,” Whipps said in the Pacific Joint Leaders’ statement.

“It is so important to develop local police capabilities and work together to address challenges. Without peace and security, we cannot prosper as Pacific Islands,” he added.

He said the Pacific region faced security challenges and praised the Australian-funded patrol boat program for its deterrent effect in combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

“We therefore need to continue to focus our efforts on building our internal capacity to combat crime and meet the challenges we face,” Whipps said.

The regional policing plan includes the establishment of four regional police training centres and a multinational crisis response force. Initial funding of $271 million will come from Australia.

Under the plan, a team of about 200 officers from different Pacific island nations can be deployed to regional hot spots and disaster areas when needed and upon invitation.

Based on recent cases reported by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG), Palau reported that the country is struggling with an increasing number of methamphetamine smuggling cases, which are mainly committed by foreigners ( Palau Supreme Court, 2024 ).

In February, three cases of trafficking in controlled substances were brought to court with felony charges.

Lieutenant Kenny Sengebau of the Drug Enforcement Administration (NEA) and Transnational Crime Unit (NEA, 2024) confirmed that there has been a significant increase in the number of cases involving Chinese nationals attempting to smuggle illegal drugs into Palau (NEA, 2024). While three cases have been filed, ongoing investigations suggest that the problem may be more widespread (NEA, 2024).

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