ACORDA SAYS ICT PROGRESS BEHIND PNP’S FAVORABLE PUBLIC APPROVAL RATING
PHILIPPINE National Police chief, General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr. on Monday expressed belief that the police force’s progress when it comes to its Information and Communications Technology or ICT development can be partly credited for a high public approval rating they have gotten as shown by a recent Pulse Asia survey.
He issued the statement as he and Department of Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan E. Uy signed in Camp Crame a memorandum of understanding between the PNP and the DICT which is aimed at further improving the police organization’s ICT system.
“This MOU serves as the cornerstone of a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership between the PNP and the DICT, working hand in hand to establish a harmonized and seamlessly coordinated ICT system. This collective understanding will not only foster integration, interoperability, and interconnection between our respective systems and applications but also ensure their reciprocal enrichment and interdependence,” the top cop said.
During his speech, Gen. Acorda shared the recent Pulse Asia survey where the public expressed satisfaction with the government’s handling of urgent national issues. According to thesaid survey, the PNP received favorable approval ratings of 67 percent and 64 percent for promoting peace and fighting crimes.
“I believe that these survey results can be attributed, at least in part, to the progress we have made in our ICT development. Although we understand there is much room for improvement, this positive feedback should inspire us to strive for better outcome,” the PNP chief said.
Gen. Acorda said he signed the agreement with the DICT chief in pursuance of their comprehensive 5-Focus Agenda which is in full support of the government’s drive towards digitalization, particularly under President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ R. Marcos Jr.’s visionary thrust in the realm of information and communications technology.
“In today’s digital age, the effective utilization of ICT assumes a paramount significance in safeguarding the welfare, security, and overall prosperity of our society. Recognizing this, the PNP, as the primary law enforcement agency, and the DICT, entrusted with harnessing the potential of ICT for national development, recognize the value of collaboration in achieving our shared goals,” he said.
Gen. Acorda said that through this endeavor, the PNP and the DICT will engage in mutual understanding, ranging from intelligence sharing, joint response to cyber incidents, capacity building, and exchange of best practices and technical expertise.
These vital efforts address the emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital landscape, he explained.
The PNP chief also commended the remarkable achievements of the men and women of the PNP Directorate for Information Communications and Technology Management headed by Major Gen. Bernard M. Banac.
“Their expertise and initiative in developing ICT programs and projects have brought about transformative changes in law enforcement in our country,” he said in citing Banac and his personnel.
According to Gen. Acorda, one standout DICTM initiative is the Secured, Mobile, Artificial Intelligence-Driven, Real-Time Technology (S.M.A.R.T. Policing).
“ This approach utilizes advanced technology to empower our police force, enhance operational efficiency, and effectively combat crime in the digital era,” he said.
Under SMART Policing, the National Police Clearance System (NPCS) was implemented across 779 PNP police stations and malls nationwide and has streamlined the generation of thousands of national police clearances, ensuring swift access to this vital document.
“Furthermore, to improve our investigative capabilities, we have the Firearms Identification System (FIS), a tool that accelerates the identification of firearms used in criminal incidents as well as facilitating prompt case resolution,” Gen. Acorda said.
“Moreover, our commitment to combat cybercrime is evident through the provision of Anti-Cybercrime ICT Equipment to our Headquarters and Regional Units. This equipment empowers our police officers to dismantle illegal operations, combat human trafficking, and safeguard our nation against cybercriminals,” he added.
The PNP chief said that these projects and all other contributory projects not mentioned, provide a glimpse of the outstanding initiatives resulting from their SMART Policing approach. He added that guided by the recently crafted PNP Information System Strategic Plan, they anticipate further groundbreaking developments for the year 2023 to 2025, in the PNP’s utilization of technology to enhance its law enforcement capabilities
