Gamboa: Delivery of body cameras to PNP delayed by COVID-19 crisis

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not be receiving its delivery of body cameras on time because of global travel restrictions being enforced during the present coronavirus disease pandemic.

PNP chief Gen. Archie Gamboa said they are expecting the delivery of the body cameras, which will be used to ensure transparency in police operations, this April or May.

“Actually, ang delivery sana nun is sometime in April or May but because of what happened, the proponents requested for a delay kasi hindi lang naman Pilipinas nagkaproblema, worldwide. So yung kanilang camera may problema papasok sa Pilipinas,” Gamboa said in an interview with dzBB when asked about updates on the cameras.

(Actually, the delivery for that is sometime in April or May but because of what happened the proponents requested for a delay because the Philippines is not only facing the crisis but also the whole world. So the cameras have a problem entering the Philippines.)

In a text message from PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Bernard Banac said the national police procured 2,696 body cameras which are expected to be delivered on May 11 this year.

The PNP chief noted that the contract for the device was already approved but they are still waiting for the new date for the delivery of the body cameras.

“Maraming nag-lockdown sa countries. Nevertheless, okay na yung kontrata. We are just waiting for delivery dates ng body cameras,” he said.

(There are many countries that imposed lockdown. Nevertheless, the contract is okay. We are just waiting for delivery dates of the body cameras.)

/MUF