By: Charissa M. Luci-Atienza
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is seeking P1.8 billion from Congress to purchase body cameras for police officers, especially those who are involved in the anti-illegal drugs operations.
Philippine National Police (PNP) Director General Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa said they have requested P1.8 billion for the purchase of 37,540 units of body cameras to ensure that no abuses would be committed when the PNP carries out its anti-illegal drugs operations.
“I think this is a big help, not just for the purpose of transparency, but it will also serve as our defense should charges be filed against us, our policemen when we carry out our war on illegal drugs,” he said at yesterday’s pre-plenary conference on the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) proposed P170.733 billion budget for 2018. Of the total budget of the DILG, P131.26 billion will go to the PNP.
Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon, who filed House Bill 2741 or the “Body Cam Bill”, took note of the PNP’s request, saying that the installation of body cameras would “erase all doubts” on President Duterte’s war on illegal drugs.