CCPO starts use of bodycams

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) is now using body cameras after completing the required training.

Police Lt. Colonel Wilbert Parilla, CCPO Deputy City Director for Operations, said they have distributed the first four body cameras to Mabolo Police Station and the Mobile Patrol Unit.

"Yes, we have already the bodycam and it's already functioning. We have already from station 4, duna natay mobil cars na ang personnel nag sul-ob na og bodycams," said Parilla.

According to Parilla, the personnel wearing bodycams had been trained how to use it. He said the frames captured from the bodycams are monitored at the City Tactical Operations Center (CTOC).

"Atong priority ani kay atong mga patrollers because they are the one who respond to crimes, aron makita ug ma monitor sad nato,"said Parilla.

The use of bodycams also allows officials at the headquarters to monitor their personnel during operations.

"Madungog sab ang conversation nila," said Parilla.

Parilla said that those who will fail to turn on their bodycam during operations will be asked to explain. Parilla, however, said they are still studying whether or not to use body cameras during buy-bust operations because these are very visible to the subject of the operation that may alert them of the ongoing operation.

"Kay sometimes it could be useful but sometimes mahimo sad ni siyang disadvantage kay usahay makit-an, kay glaring man jud ning bodycams nya og makit-an mahibaw-an nga police ka," he explained.

The Police Regional Office-7 has initially received 256 body cameras from Camp Crame. These will be distributed to city police stations in Central Visayas after the required personnel training.  — FPL (FREEMAN)