No body cameras for anti-drug cops within 2018

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Police will no longer procure body cameras for use in anti-drug operations this year, according to PNP chief Director General Oscar Albayalde.

 “It’s almost December. Most likely it will be next year,” Albayalde told reporters on the sidelines of the Quezon City Police District’s 79th anniversary celebration yesterday.

Albayalde’s predecessor, former Bureau of Corrections chief Ronald dela Rosa, previously said the PNP would acquire body cameras for anti-narcotics officers by July.

However, it did not materialize as the procurement process remains in the bidding phase.

The PNP has earmarked P334 million for the purchase of some 37,000 body cameras.

Albayalde said several private firms joined the bidding but only 17 companies qualified.

He thanked local government units in Metro Manila, including Quezon City,  for donating body cameras to police.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Benigno Durana Jr. attributed the delay to their desire to acquire cameras with more advanced technology.

“Yung delay kasi, dati nagbibigay sila ng 4G, may LTE.  Ngayon may 5G na,” Durana told reporters.