The Philippine National Police (PNP) has voiced support for proposals requiring the use of body-worn cameras during law enforcement operations, citing their role in advancing transparency and accountability in policing.
Speaking at a Senate hearing, PNP Information and Communications Technology Management Directorate Director Brig. Gen. Engelbert Soriano said the initiative aligns with the shift toward modern policing practices that help build public trust. He noted that while the PNP supports the use of body cameras in most operations, exemptions should apply to covert missions where visible recording devices could jeopardize security and personnel safety. Soriano also emphasized the need for clear operational guidelines to ensure proper and effective use by frontline officers.
The PNP currently has thousands of body cameras in its inventory, with additional units set for distribution across regional police offices and key national units such as the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group and the Police Drug Enforcement Group. Each unit costs approximately ₱32,000 and forms part of a broader effort to institutionalize the use of recording technology in police work.
Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, who presided over the hearing, reaffirmed the Senate’s commitment to strengthening law enforcement agencies through policy reforms and sustained funding support, including improvements in allowances and operational resources.
Meanwhile, Senator Raffy Tulfo reiterated his advocacy for mandatory body-worn cameras, underscoring their importance in addressing disputes over police operations. “A body-worn camera serves as both a sword and a shield,” he said, referring to its value in protecting both law enforcers and the public.
