The Philippine National Police (PNP) will be investing more on technology-powered approach to peace and order and emergency response to make the police force more responsive in times of security and calamity-related crises.

Acting PNP chief Lt. Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. said the objective is to establish a technology-driven policing that leverages drones, data analytics, and interconnected systems as part of empowering the police in facing the challenges in the future.

He said the PNP is working to enhance situational awareness and operational efficiency through the use of unmanned aerial systems or drones capable of real-time monitoring and reconnaissance.

“These drones can be deployed during disasters, search and rescue operations, traffic management, and law enforcement missions, providing ground commanders with a clearer picture of developing situations,” said Nartatez.

“Drones can serve as our eyes in the sky during critical incidents, whether it’s a flood, fire, or large public event. They help us respond faster, plan better, and ensure the safety of both responders and civilians,” he added.

In 2018, the PNP acquired 700 drone units worth P56 million to strengthen its law enforcement, surveillance, and internal security operations.

The drones were intended for all police operating units, including elite forces such as the Special Action Force and provincial mobile groups.

Nartatez said they are also exploring the use of predictive analytics to strengthen crime prevention and improve emergency readiness.

“By analyzing patterns from crime reports, calls for assistance, and mobility data, police units can anticipate potential trouble spots and allocate resources more effectively,” said Nartatez.

“Through data-driven systems, we can shift from reactive to proactive policing. Our goal is to use information not just to respond to crime but to prevent it before it happens,” he emphasized.

Nartatez pointed out that the initiatives complement the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline System launched recently in Central Visayas by the DILG, with support from the PNP.

The 911 platform centralizes emergency calls for police, fire, and medical assistance, ensuring real-time coordination among first responders.

“With the Unified 911 system as our backbone, the next step is integration, that is, connecting our surveillance, data analytics, and response systems to create a seamless flow of information. This allows us to save more lives and ensure public safety more efficiently,” Nartatez said.

Nartatez, meanwhile, directed police units to explore the use of drones for real-time surveillance, predictive analytics for crime prevention, and the integration of the PNP’s CCTV networks, e-blotter systems, and regional operation centers into the Unified 911 Command Center.

When he assumed the top PNP post in August this year, Nartatez emphasized the need to level up the police’s capability in cyber patrolling and response, saying cybercrime is becoming more rampant.

He vowed to refocus on the support system to properly address them.

“Our cybercrime capabilities must be responsive and should adapt to the latest cyber threats and trends. We will prevent these crimes proactively by establishing mechanisms to address emerging threats swiftly,” said Nartatez.