Transnational crime office now under DILG

MANILA, Philippines - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has placed the Philippine Center on Transnational Crime (PCTC) under the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) from the Office of the President to boost the participation of local governments in anti-crime efforts. The directive is embodied in Executive Order 735 signed by Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita on June 20. The PCTC was created by President Joseph E. Estrada through Executive Order 62. Transnational crimes include illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances, money laundering, terrorism, arms smuggling, trafficking in persons and piracy. - BusinessWorld