BI to procure body cams for airport inspectors

The Bureau of Immigration logo is superimposed over the airport scene. INQUIRER.net FILES

MANILA, Philippines — Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco on Sunday said that the Bureau of Immigration (BI) will procure body cameras for secondary inspectors at the country’s airports.

The body-worn cameras to be purchased will be capable of livestreaming so his office can monitor the activities of airport personnel.

“We have already initiated the procurement process and expect that, by the end of the year, we can start the deployment of the cameras,” said Tansingco in a statement.

According to him, the BI has earmarked P16 million of its budget for the procurement of body cameras.

“Body cameras will ensure that our immigration officers are effective and remain accountable for their actions as law enforcers,” said Tansingco, adding that it would be easier for the agency to investigate complaints of misconduct with the use of body cams.

“It would also remind our officers to always be professional in the conduct of their duties,” he said.

READ: Tourism and travel to PH are on a rebound, says Immigration Bureau

READ: BI mulling AI-powered immigration process

More e-gates, too

Apart from body cameras, the BI is also procuring additional electronic gates to replace 50 percent of their manual operations by 2026.

The e-gates, he said, would increase the efficiency of the bureau operations and speed up the processing of travelers.

He said in a previous statement that e-gates, which use facial recognition, biometric scanning, and other electronic security checks, can lessen processing time from 45 seconds to eight seconds per passenger.

The immigration department is also looking at the possibility of procuring AI technologies as an added layer of security in international ports of entry and exit.

The technological upgrades, Tansingco said, are part of the BI’s drive to modernize its operations to be at par with foreign counterparts.