Ensure proper use of bodycams, PNP urged
A party-list solon has reminded the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure the integrity of the recordings in body-worn cameras (bodycams) used in law enforcement operations, after its leadership unveiled a plan to procure about 22,000 of these devices this year.
Bicol Saro Party-list Rep. Brian Raymund Yamsuan said that under the 2024 General Appropriations Act (GAA), P807.3 million has been allocated by the PNP for the procurement of bodycams.
To ensure that this planned massive procurement of 22,000 bodycams is put to good use, the PNP should properly train its technical personnel tasked to take custody of the recordings in these devices to preserve their integrity as pieces of evidence, Yamsuan said.
Likewise, the PNP should also ensure that its uniformed personnel undergo regular training and continuing education on police operational procedures and the protocols on the use of bodycams to prevent allegations of misconduct, violations of privacy and other irregularities when conducting their operations.
“We in Congress want to institutionalize the use of bodycams to protect both our citizens and our police officers from abuse and false accusations. The use of bodycams will also help maintain trust in police operations,” Yamsuan stressed.
“However, the PNP should make sure that bodycam recordings remain unedited and untampered. Police officers should also be well-versed in police operational procedures, especially on evidence gathering, which require their continuing education and training. Both of these will ensure the effective use of bodycams in building airtight cases against suspected criminals,” he added.
In a recent statement, PNP chief Maj. Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. said the national police intends to acquire about 22,000 bodycams this year.
He said the procurement is part of the PNP’s ongoing efforts to keep the Philippines’ ranking as the third safest country in Southeast Asia as recognized in the Gallup Law and Order Index for 2023.
Yamsuan pointed out that in the 2024 GAA, the allocation for the PNP’s education and training component is P1.26 billion, up by about 7.6 percent from P1.17 billion in 2023.
