Manila: The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Tuesday expressed its approval of the Senate's recent passage of a bill mandating the use of body-worn cameras by law enforcement officers during their operations.

According to Philippines News Agency, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. highlighted that this legislative approval could facilitate the acquisition of additional body cameras for the police force. Gen. Nartatez emphasized the importance of these devices as tools for truth, transparency, and accountability, noting that the PNP has been gradually integrating body-worn cameras into its operations over recent years.

Body-worn cameras have become more prevalent within the PNP, with several units employing them during various operations. This rollout was part of broader internal reforms aimed at documenting police activities during arrests, checkpoints, and other high-risk operations. Gen. Nartatez stated that the PNP is prepared to expand the use of these cameras nationwide once Senate Bill No. 1908, known as the 'Law Enforcement Body-Worn Camera Act,' is enacted into law.

The PNP anticipates receiving 17,000 additional body-worn cameras in May, which will further aid in documenting police operations. Gen. Nartatez reaffirmed the PNP's commitment to expanding camera deployment across the country, stating, "We will further expand deployment throughout the country."

The Senate's approval of Senate Bill No. 1908 on Monday marks a significant step toward requiring personnel from various law enforcement agencies, including the PNP, National Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, to use body cameras during their operations. The PNP believes that these devices are crucial in protecting the public from potential abuses and shielding officers from work-related harassment, such as the filing of cases against them.