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"Body cameras for PNP to prove that they are not violating rights of drug suspects."
Juaymae Colaway
Muntinlupa Rep. Ruffy Biazon last year propose law that policemen should wear a body camera, to prove that they are not violating humans rights of drug suspects during anti-drug operations. Also by having the body camera the police or suspects can defend themselves because the police have a record what happens during interrogation. (Inquirer Philippines)
While Chief PNP, Gen. Ronald "bato" Dela Rosa, said that he would rather buy guns and weapons than wearing a body camera for them to record actions during anti- drug operations. He said he will not satisfy critics. "Yung pera na ibibili sa mga body camera na 'yan, ibili ko na lang ng mga bala at baril para armasan 'yung mga tao ko. Last priority ko 'yung pagsatisfy sa mga critics na 'yan. Hindi ko sila satisfy para lang magkalma. Bahala sila," Dela Rosa told reporters. "Hirap nga tayong bumili ng bala at baril para sa tao natin, camera pa iniisip ninyo. Unahin muna namin 'yun basic na pangapgailangan ng mga tauhan namin to defend themselves, not to defend other party. 'Yan ang iniisip namin ngayon."
Bato keep on protecting his policemen claiming that when they are in the field, they should be ready to die and kill. While the critics somehow doubts polices. A suspect that is already in handcuff cannot fight, Muntinlupa mayor worries over PNP handling drug suspects. The number of alleged extrajudicial killings or summary execution of handcuffed suspects who reportedly resisted arrest grow.
Meanwhile, Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) traffic enforcers this year are going to wear boy camera to eliminate corruption as directed by Mayor Joseph "Erap" Estrada. (Report published by Manila Standard.) These will also serve as protection on the traffic enforcers against rude motorists.
The target is to have one camera and a communication radio each enforcer. Based on reports, the cost of camera is around 8,000- 12,000 Pesos.
Having our polices a body camera, would be a transparency to every one. Ruffy Biazon's motive is just right, I think It will be fair for both parties, to know who violated. Most of the time we do not know the scope of what happen in a raid. While what PNP Chief Bato said is just true, we lack of machinery to protect our polices. But I think he should consider what the public, and the critics are saying. Because his men not only work for themselves, or only for the president but also to all citizen of the country. We as a citizen just want a honest solution, not damaging our rights as a person.
I hope in the future, our country can provide a body cameras for every police officers, it will be very handy to everyone. But for now, we don't have any choice but to trust PNP. It's just up to their conscience if they work honestly, and fairly.