‘Filipinos’ eyes and ears’: PNP launches use of body cameras

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) launched on Friday its body-worn camera system that will serve as the “Filipinos’ eyes and ears” in police operations.

The use of body cameras can now guard against incidents of possible police abuse, PNP chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar said as he paid tribute to Kian delos Santos who was killed in 2017 by police officers in Caloocan City.

“Today, the Filipino people will finally have the eyes and ears in law enforcement and in the implementation of peace and order in the country,” Eleazar said during the body camera system’s launch at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

“The procurement and eventually the use of body cameras is a tribute not only to Kian delos Santos who died of police abuse in Caloocan City, but also to the policemen whose ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty were tainted by extrajudicial killings, planting of evidence and other unfair allegations ,” Eleazar added.

File photo shows Police Maj. Gen. Angelito Casimiro, PNP Director for logistics, overseeing a training session on the use of body cameras earlier this year. (MARIANNE BERMUDEZ / INQUIRER)

The PNP has so far distributed nearly 3,000 body camera to various city police stations and is eyeing to acquire 30,000 more units.  

“Ito pong mga body worn camera natin na matagal na nating pinag-uusapan, bagamat ito ay hindi sapat sa lahat ng ating police stations, gusto po namin ito’y simulan na,” Eleazar said.

(These body worn cameras have long been talked about. Although there is not enough for all police stations, we intend to start using these already.)

Eleazar previously said the body cameras will be used in anti-illegal drug operations, service of search warrants and warrants of arrest, and even during regular patrolling.

The Supreme Court is also drafting guidelines and protocols for the use of body cameras in police operations.

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