Kiko wants body camera bill passed to protect citizens from illegal arrest

Senator Francis "Kiko" Pangilinan on Saturday called on fellow lawmakers to pass the bill on use of body camera during police operations to protect citizens from unlawful arrests and alleged planting of evidence by abusive cops.

In a statement on Saturday, Pangilinan said, "We need to protect the public against the possibility of police abuse of power or use of violence such as planting of evidence, illegal arrest, and even killings."

He cited the case of peasant organizer Amanda Echanis, daughter slain National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant and Anakpawis chairman Randy Echanis.

Amanda Lacaba Echanis, was arrested along with her one-month-old son in Barangay Carupian in Baggao, Cagayan on December 2 for  illegal possession of firearms, ammunition, and explosives.

In an earlier statement, Anakpawis condemned Amanda's arrest saying that the police planted the evidence against her.

But the police insisted the operation against the younger Echanis was carried out on the strength of a search warrant issued by a judge for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.

To prevent future controversies arising from police operations, Pangilinan pushed his Senate Bill 427 or The Body Camera Act, which requires law enforcers to immediately activate these devices at the beginning of their operations, especially when there is an immediate threat to life and safety.

"These cameras shall not be deactivated until operations have been concluded," Pangilinan added.

Earlier, together with Minority Senators Leila De Lima, Franklin Drilon, and Risa Hontiveros, Pangilinan called for the immediate release of Echanis and her one-month-old baby from detention.

"Aside from Amanda, thousands have been arrested or even killed by the police, possibly on planted evidence. Until now, justice is still not served,” Pangilinan said.

During the hearing for the 2021 national budget, the Philippine National Police mentioned that 2,600 body cameras have been procured with a budget of P287 million. If the body cams passed the testing last 12 October 2020, they will be issued to police units in their drug operation activities.

Senate Bill 427 provides that in specific instances, the camera may be deactivated to protect the privacy of occupants of private residences, crime victims, and anonymous reporter of crimes, among others, with their required consent.

Also, the body camera footages are subject to a retention period of six months from its recording date and will be permanently deleted thereafter. However, if the said footage has evidentiary or exculpatory value, the period of retention may be extended for a longer time not exceeding three years upon the request of concerned law enforcement officers and the public. —LBG, GMA News