PNP backs installation of CCTV cameras in precincts, detention facilities

The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday expressed support to the proposal of Senator Raffy Tulfo to set up CCTV cameras in all police precincts and detention facilities to prevent human rights violations.

Interviewed on Super Radyo dzBB, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said the police organization will study the suggestion if they can include additional budget for the CCTV cameras.

“Ang pamunuan po ng PNP ay pag-aaralan po ‘yan para maisama po sa ating procurement program at mailagay at maisama doon sa ating annual [General Appropriations Act],” she said.

(The leadership of the PNP will study that so we can add it to our procurement program and put it in our annual General Appropriations Act.)

Fajardo said CCTV cameras would not only help monitor the actions of police personnel but would also add security to their facilities in case of threatening incidents.

In his privilege speech on December 13, Tulfo said he would file a bill obliging the installation of CCTV cameras in police precincts and detention facilities.

“We have seen several crimes solved because of CCTVs. But I will submit a supporting bill that would also require the installation of CCTV cameras in police precincts and detention facilities,” he said.

“A lot of human rights violations happen in the police precincts upon arrest or invitation of suspects or persons of interest. Mapipigilan ng CCTV sa mga presinto at detention facilities ang pambubugbog ng mga naaaresto [The installation of CCTVs in precincts and detentions facilities will prevent the abuse on arrested suspects].”

Aside from this, Tulfo said the CCTVs would also prevent the entry of contrabands like drugs inside the facilities, as well as prison breaks.  —KBK, GMA Integrated News