Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 1) — The Philippine National Police is set to test this month body cameras for police officers conducting anti-drug operations, the agency’s chief said Thursday.
“We have more or less 2,600 units [of] body-worn cameras to be delivered,” General Camilo Cascolan said during a Senate hearing, adding that the “functional testing and evaluation” will be held on October 12.
The official said anti-drug cops will be prioritized in the distribution of the body cameras, which were supposed to be purchased years ago. Then PNP chief Archie Gamboa said in November that three police officers’ extortion from bidders delayed the procurement of the units.
A month later, the PNP said it awarded a ₱289-million contract for the body cam equipment to San Juan City-based EVI Distribution.
Only the units that will pass the functionality test will be issued to police officers, Cascolan said.
There is already a protocol for the use and maintenance of the said device, he added.
In 2018, the PNP and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency “encouraged” the use of body cameras and other gadgets to record anti-illegal drug operations, following criticisms over drug war killings.
Former anti-drug czar and incumbent Vice President Leni Robredo has supported this initiative, noting this would ensure the protection of both law enforcers and civilians.
