NBI, Norwegian Embassy Unite to Combat Human Trafficking

NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag with His Excellency Christian Halaas Lyster, the Ambassador of Norway to the Philippines.

NBI, Norwegian Embassy Unite to Combat Human Trafficking

By Bing Jabadan – TheNATIONWEEK.com | June 8, 2026

MANILA, Philippines – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and the Royal Norwegian Embassy, along with the Nordic Police Liaison Office, have significantly advanced their collaborative efforts in the relentless global fight against human trafficking and online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC).

NBI Director Atty. Melvin A. Matibag’s meeting with Ambassador Christian Halaas Lyster, Nordic Liaison Officer Nicolai Langaas, and Julian Jara directly responds to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to escalate the government’s offensive against these heinous crimes, which disproportionately harm women, children, and vulnerable populations.

Discussions at the high-level engagement focused on strategic, actionable cooperation to dismantle criminal networks. Central to this intensified partnership are four distinct pillars:

 enhanced intelligence sharing on perpetrators’ financial transactions, coordinated case management, robust capacity building, and expanded cross-border operations.

Recognizing the critical role of financial intelligence, both parties underscored that meticulously tracking money flows linked to traffickers and online exploiters is paramount to any effective investigative strategy.

Atty. Matibag stressed the transnational nature of human trafficking and online child exploitation, necessitating unwavering international law enforcement collaboration. He affirmed the NBI’s commitment to relentlessly pursue offenders, provide unwavering support for victim-survivors, and work hand in hand with international counterparts to ensure accountability for those who exploit the vulnerable.

The Royal Norwegian Embassy and the Nordic Police Liaison Office unequivocally reaffirmed their commitment to the NBI’s mission. Their support specifically targets strengthening investigative cooperation, critical intelligence exchange, and operational coordination, with a pronounced emphasis on the forensic tracing of financial transactions – a key weapon against trafficking and online exploitation. This partnership underscores a shared, resolute commitment to safeguarding children and vulnerable individuals from abuse, exploitation, and organized crime.

Under Director Matibag’s leadership, this engagement exemplifies the NBI’s proactive strategy in cultivating robust international law enforcement alliances, significantly contributing to the Philippines’ comprehensive, whole-of-government campaign against human trafficking, OSAEC, and other transnational criminal threats.

*         *         *

Influence the Influential. Power Truth. TheNATIONWEEK.com

More than news: we are a defining force in independent journalism, delivering rigorous, unbiased reporting to an engaged, opinion-shaping audience that values integrity. Partner with us to align your brand with trust, reach discerning leaders, and amplify your impact. Your message. Our mission. Unrivaled engagement. Email nationweek@yahoo.com today.