State Assistant Secretary William R. Brownfield, head of the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) is now in Manila to discuss with Philippine officials maritime law enforcement efforts in the Philippines and in the region.
According to the US Embassy Manila, the Assistant Secretary will be joined by Admiral Paul F. Zukunft, Commandant of the US Coast Guard. He will also meet with Philippine National Police Chief Director General Ricardo Marquez and with Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales.
Assistant Secretary Brownfield’s office is tasked with combating international crime and illegal drugs, and their impact on the United States, by providing effective foreign assistance and fostering global cooperation to counter these threats.
INL programs cover the full spectrum of law enforcement and the rule of law, including: police professionalization; justice sector development; correctional institution reform; and citizen security strengthening.
Currently, INL manages $20 million in foreign assistance to the Philippines with plans to continue providing more than $8 million dollars in assistance annually. Such assistance has had a significant impact already on expanding the capabilities of Philippine partner agencies across the criminal justice spectrum.
Assistant Secretary Brownfield holds the rank of Career Ambassador, the highest rank in the U.S. Foreign Service. He was sworn in his current post in January 2011 and since then has received the Distinguished Service Award and the Presidential Performance Award three times./US Embassy, Manila; PIA
