PHILIPPINE National Police (PNP) chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil is putting premium on having a technology-driven police force to enforce the law and solve all forms of criminality.

“The Philippine National Police recognizes that effective law enforcement nowadays requires competency and innovation in the use and application of technology to its overall operation and daily work,” the general said.

Although he admitted that putting a comprehensive technology infrastructure in place is one of the major challenges for the PNP, the top cop expressed confidence that with careful management and selective priorities, they can achieve this goal in a timely fashion.

The PNP chief said he would prioritize integrating the PNP Secured, Mobile, Artificial Intelligence-Driven and Real-Time (S.M.A.R.T.) Policing Program and ICT Development Roadmap into their operations.

Included in his program is an active drive to recruit and train new police officers and support staff with technical expertise and specialized IT skills.

The PNP chief has pushed for a five-year development plan to combat cybercrimes and other forms of criminality and terror through the help of modern technology.

The 30th PNP chief explained that this is part of their smart policing strategies, specifically when using artificial intelligence and other modern technologies to effectively address modern-day criminals.

The PNP’s SMART policing program is a strategic approach that incorporates more “science” into police operations by leveraging innovative applications of analysis, technology and evidence-based practices.

The program particularly focuses on cybercrimes which has already been considered by the government as among the “greatest threats” in the present day as it affects thousands of victims here and abroad.

The PNP’s focus on cybercrimes is aimed at protecting millions of users of cyberspace who have entrusted their personal data online through the SMART policing system.

Marbil said he wants the SMART policing system to be fully implemented to greatly address the rise in cybercrimes and other emerging security challenges in the country.

Marbil said he wants the PNP Directorate for Police-Community Relations headed by Major Gen. Edgar Alan O. Okubo to ‘refocus’ and ensure that Filipinos would be informed on what is right and what is wrong when it comes to use of the cyberscape thru a much wider pubic information drive.

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the strengthening of the PNP’s cybersecurity systems as he emphasized the importance of training among police personnel and investment in technology to address cybercrime and cybersecurity.

The Commander-in-Chief issued the directive after the PNP leadership reported that despite the 10-percent decline in the crime rate from July 2022 to Jan. 2024, cybercrime remains a cause for concern.

Officials said there is a need to focus the attention on cybercrime since there is an increase in cases in the last quarter of 2023.

The PNP recorded thousands of cybercrimes last year with 15,000 swindling cases followed by 4,000 cases of illegal access and 2,000 each cases of identity theft, online libel and credit card fraud.