PNP plans to procure 22,000 body-worn cameras in 2024

VITAL EQUIPMENT Police Maj. Gen. Angelito Casimiro, the PNP director for logistics, oversees a training session on the use of body cameras. The cameras are to be used in routine patrols and field operations. (File photo from MARIANNE BERMUDEZ)

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police (PNP) intends to procure around 22,000 body-worn cameras this year, according to its chief, Major General Benjamin Acorda Jr.

Acorda said the plan is part of PNP’s ongoing efforts to keep the Philippines’ ranking as the third safest country in Southeast Asia, as earlier reported by American analytics firm Gallup.

“Around 22,000 [body-worn cameras] ang balak bilhin this year. Pero kung makuha natin mas mura, mas maganda,” the PNP top official said in a press conference on Monday.

(We plan to buy around 22,000 body-worn cameras this year. But if we can get cameras at a lower price, that will be much better.)

On January 2, Acorda disclosed that PNP only has 2,756 body-worn cameras, far from their ideal number of 45,000.

Aside from acquiring more devices for their operations, the PNP also plans to set up more police stations to accommodate about 6,000 recruits from last year.

From a ratio of 1:500 cop per person (1 cop every 500 persons), Acorda said the recruitment lowered the ratio to 1:125.