ASEAN member states sign treaty on extradition

The ASEAN member states on Friday signed the Treaty on Extradition (ATE), which is a landmark agreement that creates a uniform legal framework for extradition among the nations within the region.

This marks a crucial step towards having stronger regional cooperation in fighting crime and ensuring accountability across borders.  

Justice Acting Secretary Fredderick Vida signed the treaty for the Philippines during a ceremony in Taguig City. 

The treaty reaffirms the region’s shared commitment to enhancing legal cooperation, maintaining criminal accountability, and protecting peace and security among member states. 

The treaty also allows the surrender of a fugitive found in one country to another requesting country where he or she is being prosecuted or needs to serve a sentence.  

In an extradition treaty, the Department of Justice acts as the central authority for the Philippines. 

The DOJ, through its Office of the Chief State Counsel (Legal Staff), is responsible for preparing or processing the extradition requests. — RSJ, GMA Integrated News