The Philippine National Police (PNP) supported Senator Raffy Tulfo’s idea to install CCTV cameras in every police station and jail to guard against human rights abuses.
PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo stated during an interview on Super Radyo dzBB that the police organization will examine the request to see if they can provide more money 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.
CCTV cameras, according to Fajardo, would increase security at police facilities in the event of threatening occurrences, in addition to helping to monitor the behavior of police officers.
Tulfo announced in his privilege speech on December 13 that he would introduce a measure requiring the placement of CCTV cameras in police stations and jails.
“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.
PNP supports CCTV installation inside detention cells, precincts
“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].”
In addition, Tulfo said that the CCTVs would stop jail breakouts and the admission of contrabands like drugs into the facility.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is the primary law enforcement agency in the Philippines. It was established under Republic Act No. 6975 and is empowered by Section 24 to use force in making arrests and investigation and prevention of crime.
Under the Revised Penal Code and the Philippine National Police Operational Procedures, the PNP must generally issue a verbal warning before it can use force against the offender. Furthermore, it is only allowed to use such force as would be necessary and reasonable to overcome resistance put up by the offender, subdue the clear and imminent danger posed by him, or to justify the force/act under the principles of self-defense or defense of others.
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