PNP welcomes July release of rules on use of body cams
PHILIPPINE National Police chief General Guillermo Lorenzo T. Eleazar welcomed the latest word from the Supreme Court that the rules on the use of Body-Worn Cameras (BWCs) by the police froce could be finalized and approved by next month.
According to the PNP chief, the guidelines that will be released by the High Tribunal will be incorporated into the protocols crafted by the PNP.
“We welcome this development on the Supreme Court’s approval of the rules on using BWCs in implementing search and arrest warrants,” he said.
“Kung ano man po ang aaprubahan na protocols ng Mataas na Hukuman, i-incorporate po namin ito sa guidelines ng PNP para maging uniform ang paggamit ng ating personnel sa mga body cameras,” the top cop added.
Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo on Friday said the rules for using BWCs will be tackled starting June 15 when the High Tribunal resumes sessions.
Following the statement from the Chief Justice, Gen. Eleazar expressed gratitude for the SC’s prioritizing discussions on the use by the PNP of BWCs.
“Ngayon pa lamang ay nagpapasalamat na kami sa Supreme Court para sa paglalaan nila ng panahon sa pagbuo ng mga panuntunang ito. I assure our esteemed Justices that these protocols will strictly be observed by our men,” he said.
Last June 4, the PNP launched the BWC System to ensure transparency and the legitimacy of police anti-crime operations, particularly in the service of search or arrest warrants.
Gen. Eleazar said an initial 2,696 BWC units have been distributed to 171 police stations and offices.
The BWCS would provide a guarantee that police personnel would strictly abide by police operating procedure in law enforcement operations and, at the same time, give protection to policemen against false and malicious accusations of abuse or misconduct, the PNP chief said.
