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Privacy issue cited by PNP on use of body camera a mere alibi?

Published May 4, 2021 04:27 pm

Senator Grace Poe is not convinced with the Philippine National Police's (PNP) explanation for the delay on the use of body-worn cameras by police.

Senator Grace Poe (Office of Sen. Grace Poe/MANILA BULLETIN File Photo)

In a statement, Poe said the PNP could have anticipated issues on the rollout of body cameras during its procurement.

PNP logistics director Major Gen. Angelito Casimiro had said that the necessary protocols for implementing body camera use are not yet finished since they are still looking into privacy issues when footages are used as court evidence.

"The excuse the PNP is now making, should have been anticipated even while negotiations for the procurement of the body cameras was in process. The PNP should have consulted with the Data Privacy Commission on possible data privacy issues," Poe said in a text message sent to reporters.

In addition, she said the PNP should also have raised the concern when its officials paid a virtual courtesy call on newly-appointed Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo and other Supreme Court (SC) justices last March 23.

"They should have asked the Chief Justice to issue even a circular on the proper use of body cameras pending approval of the proposed new Rules on Criminal Procedure, which, according to an SC press release, will include use of body cameras," Poe said.

Lawmakers have been calling for the use of body cameras for transparency and accountability in police operations, amid allegations of abuse of authority and planting of evidence.

The SC had also said it is considering a proposal to require body cameras for law enforcers who will be serving warrants issued by trial courts, a plea that stemmed from the killing of nine activists in Calabarazon for allegedly fighting back when warrants were being served against them last March 7.

The PNP had purchased 2,600 units of body cameras worth P289 million.

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