The Philippine National Police (PNP) said only around 2,700 police officers have been issued body-worn cameras.
The figure is less than 10 percent of the PNP’s requirement of 45,000 body-worn cameras, PNP Public Information Office chief Police Brigadier General Red Maranan said in a radio interview.
The body cameras are to be used by police to record incidents during the execution of search or arrest warrants.
Maranan admitted that the number of officers with body-worn cameras is “very, very limited,” adding that “our requirement for that is something like 45,000, but we only have 2,700.”
Maranan said that the PNP is targeting to procure more body cameras next year. The PNP, he said, has requested the budget from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
He related this to the case of six police officers involved in the killing of 17-year-old Jemboy Baltazar in Navotas City who did not wear their body cameras at the time of the operation.
“We have proven that the policeman involved had a body camera issued
to him, but did not use or open it. What he was saying was that the battery was dead, but that is not an acceptable reason because to be a responsible officer, you should ensure that your body camera is fully charged before you start duty,” he said.
Maranan further disclosed that the PNP is conducting “early procurement activities” for the new supply of body cameras as well as possible suppliers.
“We are on early procurement activities now, and all will be done thru public bidding,” Maranan said.
Maranan also said that the PNP is targeting to procure enough materials and body-worn cameras for all the police officers on duty and those involved in operations.
In July 2021, the Supreme Court approved a resolution providing rules for the mandatory use of body-worn cameras during the execution of search and arrest warrants.
Under the resolution, law enforcers must have at least one body-worn camera and one alternative recording device or such number needed to record the relevant incidents during the execution of search or arrest warrants.
In case of unavailability of body-worn cameras, law enforcers shall file a motion before the court to use alternative recording devices for justifiable reasons.
