PNP willing to equip operatives with body cameras

FILE: If given enough funds, the Philippine National Police would acquire body cameras it can use to equip police officers during field operations. (PNA Photo)

MANILA — If given enough funds, the Philippine National Police would acquire body cameras it can use to equip police officers during field operations.

“We’re very open to having the body cameras, (if given enough) funds (then) we will purchase the body cameras and be used during operations,” PNP Spokesperson Chief Supt. Dionardo Carlos said in a press briefing Thursday.

Carlos said currently, when documenting sensitive operations, a police officer is tasked to operate a video camera and film the entire proceedings.

Earlier, Sen. Sherwin Gatchalian said he is planning to file a bill requiring policemen to wear body cameras to collect video footage of all drug raids implemented following the killing of 17-year-old Kian Loyd Delos Santos during an anti-illegal drug operation.

“Footage collected from police body cams would provide concrete evidence to hold police scalawags administratively and criminally liable for violating their oath to serve and protect the people,” he added.

Gatchalian said recorded video evidences of all anti-illegal drugs operations would be “a powerful tool” to ensure transparency and accountability in the execution of the government’s drug war.