By Junex Doronio
MANILA — In line with the effort to effectively fight crime and prevent potential abuses, the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Sunday revealed that it has requested the procurement of an additional 4,000 body-worn cameras next year.
In 2021, the PNP launched a body-worn camera system for the police to ensure transparency and legitimacy of law-enforcement operations.
However, the PNP claimed their current supply of the device remains a challenge at only nearly 3,000 units.
“For 2024, I understand ay merong additional na at least nasa around 4,000 ata ‘yung request namin na kasama sa budget. Hopefully by next year ay ma-fulfill na ‘yung kaunti nating variant. Hindi man ‘yung kabuuan ng 45,000 pero at least, base sa huling budget hearing, ay kasama sa 2024 budget ‘yung procurement ng additional body-worn cameras,” PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo said in a Super Radyo dzBB interview.
She lamented that the police force now only uses a total of 2,956 body cameras — far from the ideal number of at least 40,000 to 45,000.
Fajardo said that since there is a very limited supply of body-worn cameras, the PNP has prioritized its distribution to personnel in police stations, as well as its national operational support units like the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group, Drug Enforcement Group, Anti-Kidnapping Group, and Anti-Cybercrime Group.
“‘Yung isang unit lamang ng camera would cost more than P135,000, kung hindi ako nagkakamali. Kasi hindi lang siya isang camera, kasama doon ang program, ‘yung docking station, ‘yung GPS capability niya, at internet at SIM capability niya,” the PNP spokesperson disclosed.
(IAmigo/MNM)
MANILA — In response to the tragic bombing incident during a Catholic mass at the Mindanao State University gymnasium in Marawi City, which claimed the lives of four worshipers and left several individuals critically injured, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has elevated security measures in the National Capital Region (NCR).
Photographs depict officers from the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 5 conducting a checkpoint along Taft Ave. in Manila on Friday, December 5, 2023. This proactive measure aligns with the aftermath of the bombing in MSU and in anticipation of the upcoming Christmas rush.
(Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
KINONDENA ngayon ng maraming matitinong miyembro ng Pambansang Pulisya ang isang retiradong heneral, na dati nilang kasama, na umano’y nasa likod ng talamak ngayong ilegal na online sabong.
“Ang nakakadismaya ay sobrang kapal ng mukha nitong aming ine-idolo noon kasi nagpapalitrato siya sa kasalukuyang PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. at ipinamamalitang may basbas ng Camp Crame ang kanyang E-Sabong operations,” ngitngit na pahayag ng isang kernel sa anti-crime unit ng nasabing kampo.
Kinilala ng nagbunyag na kernel ang nasabing nasa likod ng talamak na illegal online cockfights na si Alyas Heneral Abusado, dahil sobra umano nitong inabuso ang pagiging pagkaibigan nila ni Gen. Acorda.
Ang operations base ng E-Sabong ng grupo ng heneral na abusado ay nasa lungsod ng Antipolo at puntirya ng kanyang pamimili ng mga pipitsuging mga manok ay ang buong Luzon hanggang Kabisayaan.
Sa loob at labas naman ng bansa ang kanyang ilegal na pagpapataya na unano’y maging mga menor de edad ay nalululong na sa nasabing ilegal na online sabong.
Kasama ng abusadong heneral ang ilang tiwaling kagawad ng lokal na kapulisan na siya naman umanong nagbibiigay ng proteksiyon sa operasyon ng ilegal na E-Sabong.
“Ginagamit ding pananakot ng abusadong heneral ang ‘selfie picture’ nila ng PNP chief sa mga nakabababang ranggong pulis na ayaw mag-cooperate sa kanyang raket,” dagdag na sabi ng nagsumbong na kernel.
“Ipinanawagan na namin dito sa Camp Crame sa kay Sec. Abalos at Pangulong Bongbong Marcos na dapat nang tuldukan ang ilegal na online sabong nitong abusadong heneral para maniwala kaming mga uniformed men na seryoso at determinado ang pamunuan ng gobyerno sa pagpapatupad ng ating mga batas,” pagtatapos na pahayag ni kernel.
By Liza Soriano
MANILA — Senator Risa Hontiveros has lauded the Philippine National Police for their prompt response in relieving Pasay City police officers from their positions following the discovery of a sex den close to the police station.
Allegedly, a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) was involved in illegal acts of human trafficking near the police station.
“It’s hard to believe that such blatant torture and prostitution were occurring in a large building, and they were unaware of it? It’s impossible,” Hontiveros remarked.
The Committee on Women will conduct an on-site inspection of the building on Friday to assess the extent of the issue, the senator added.
“We extend our gratitude to the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission, the Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking, and the PNP Women and Children Protection Center for leading the raid that exposed the illegal activities in this POGO and for rescuing the victims of human trafficking,” Hontiveros expressed.
Earlier, PNP Spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo stated that the Pasay Police chief is under investigation for possible neglect of duty, considering that this Pogo establishment has been operating for a significant period.
“How is it possible that they did not detect the presence of illegal activities in the area?” Fajardo previously questioned.
(ai/mnm)
By Liezelle Soriano
The Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Thursday that the observance of Undas 2023 was generally peaceful, with approximately three million individuals visiting cemeteries.
PNP spokesperson PCol. Jean Fajardo stated that the police continue to monitor the situation as they expect more Filipinos to visit cemeteries.
“Kahapon, almost three (3) million individuals were observed entering and exiting cemeteries across the nation, and today, our security coverage continues as we anticipate more visitors,” Fajardo mentioned in a Teleradyo interview.
“Overall, the observance of Undas has proceeded smoothly, with no major incidents recorded,” she added.
Fajardo also mentioned that police regional directors will decide on Friday whether to lower the alert status in their respective regions.
She emphasized that authorities are prepared for the expected return of tourists who spent the Undas and barangay election break in the provinces and are now returning to Metro Manila.
(ai/mnm)
MANILA — Umabot sa halos isang milyon ang bilang ng mga indibidwal na nagtungo at bumisita sa mga puntod ng kanilang mga yumaong kaanak sa Manila North Cemetery.
Ito’y ayon sa Philippine National Police na nakadeploy sa MNC at anila, ang datos ay nakalap mula nang buksan ang nasabing sementeryo dakong alas-4:00 ng madaling araw ng Miyerkoles.
Sa entrance pa lamang ng Manila North Cemetery ay mahaba na ang pila dahil isa-isang iniinspeksiyon ang mga bag at dala-dalahan ng mga bumibisita.
Samantala, dakong alas-9 ng umaga nitong Miyerkoles (November 1) ay bumisita rin si PNP Chief General Benjamin Acorda Jr. at kinumpirma na walang banta sa seguridad sa paggunita ng Undas.
Sa pagtungo nito sa MNC, sinabi ni Acorda na wala silang natatanggap at nakakalap na impormasyon hinggil sa banta ng panggugulo ngayong Undas.
Ayon pa sa PNP chief, ipauubaya niya sa area commanders ang pananatili ng seguridad at antas ng alerto depende sa sitwasyon sa kanilang lugar.
(Ulat at potograpiya ni Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
MANILA — The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Wednesday that they have not received any threats related to the upcoming observance of All Saints’ Day, otherwise known as Undas. However, they will continue to maintain vigilance and monitor potential risks.
“So far, we have not received any threats. Our monitoring efforts will remain ongoing,” Police General Benjamin Acorda Jr., the Chief of the PNP said during an impromptu interview with reporters at the Manila North Cemetery, the country’s biggest necropolis.
Acorda shared that over 37,000 police personnel have been deployed throughout the country to ensure the security of the Undas observance.
To assess security measures, Acorda personally inspected the Manila North Cemetery at 9 a.m. on Wednesday. He noted that only a few dangerous items were confiscated from visitors upon their entry into the cemetery. Additionally, he reported that there have been no instances of disorder at cemeteries nationwide.
In a separate statement, the PNP highlighted comprehensive plans for crowd control, traffic management, and public safety during Undas. Law enforcement officers, along with other agencies and force multipliers, were stationed at key locations, including 3,808 memorial parks, public cemeteries, and columbaria.
The public was urged to remain vigilant in securing their homes when absent and to exercise caution in crowded areas. The PNP encouraged individuals to report any suspicious activities or persons to the nearest police officers or through the PNP hotlines.
Motorists were also reminded to follow traffic regulations and cooperate with authorities to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Acorda emphasized, “We want everyone to be able to observe this significant tradition without any concerns for their well-being. Our officers are fully prepared to ensure a peaceful environment for everyone.”
He added, “The PNP would like to remind the public that safety is a shared responsibility. By working together, we can guarantee a peaceful and secure Undas observance for everyone.”
On Tuesday, PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo cautioned the public about common crimes during Undas, saying, “Normally, when there is a large volume of people, we observe crimes such as theft, pickpocketing, and physical injuries.”
(Report & photography by Benjie Cuaresma/ai/mnm)
Elements of the Philippine National Police have been monitoring the steady influx of visitors to the Manila North Cemetery since Tuesday, 31 October 2023.
As of 10 a.m. on Wednesday, 01 November 2023 (All Saints’ Day), their number accordingly reached 100,000 and counting.
Located in the City of Manila, the country’s capital, this modern necropolis holds a community of an estimated 10 to 50 thousand
Filipinos that live alongside the over one million dead in PH’s largest cemetery.
(ai/mnm)
Ni Liezelle Soriano
UMABOT sa 244 ang bilang ng mga karahasan na naitala sa pagdaraos ng barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), ayon sa Commission on Elections (Comelec).
Ang datos na ito ng Comelec ay nagmula sa Philippine National Police (PNP).
Saklaw nito ang huling araw ng Oktubre, ayon pa sa poll body.
Samantala, umabot naman sa 19 ang kabuuang bilang ng mga namatay sa kasagsagan ng eleksiyon.
“We hope this will be the end of it,” wika ni Comelec Spokesperson Rex Laudiangco.
“Though the figures are quite high, they are really low compared to the figures from the 2013 and 2018 barangay elections, where we had more than 300 election-related incidents and deaths,” dagdag pa niya.
Sinabi pa niya na karamihan sa mga nasawi ay nagmula sa Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Aniya, karamihan sa mga napatay ay mga tagasuporta o kamag-anak ng mga kandidato.
(AI/MNM)
By Junex Doronio
WITH THE ONGOING FEVERISH CAMPAIGN for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this coming Monday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) placed the entire country under red alert and deployed 187,600 personnel to ensure peace and order.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. on Friday disclosed the full deployment of 187,600 PNP personnel for election duties on Saturday, October 28, with the alert status raised to full alert.
“Your dedication and professionalism are indispensable in upholding public trust and preserving the democratic process. I urge each and every one of you to remain vigilant, impartial, and devoted to your duty. Remember, the integrity of our electoral system rests upon our shoulders, and the nation relies on us to guarantee a peaceful and equitable election,” Acorda Jr. said in a press briefing at the Camp Crame headquarters in Quezon City.
Acknowledging the recent pre-poll violence in Cotabato, Abra Masbate, and other critical areas, Acorda Jr. said the PNP’s objective is to provide a safe and secure environment for all voters.
“First and foremost, I would like to underscore that the PNP has strategically deployed personnel nationwide to ensure the preparedness and security of our localities for the forthcoming electoral process. This is especially crucial in remote areas and those with a history of election-related incidents,” the PNP chief stressed.
He added that the deployment of police forces depends on the regional commander’s discretion based on the prevailing peace and security situation in their respective areas of operational control and supervision.
(ai/mnm)
By Junex Doronio
ANTICIPATING THE MASSIVE WITHDRAWAL of teachers from their poll duties in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), the Philippine National Police (PNP) on Thursday reiterated its readiness and said that 5,558 policemen will substitute the teachers who withdraw as electoral board members.
The PNP made the assurance amid reports that some teachers in Cotabato City and Abra have backed out of the task due to fear of violence.
“Maaga pa lamang ay in-anticipate na ito ng PNP kaya meron po tayong naka-standby na 5,588 na trained na PNP na puwede pong mag-serve as special board of electoral inspector po,” said PNP spokesperson Police Colonel Jean Fajardo in an interview with GMA Integrated News’ Unang Balita.
Meanwhile, in order to ensure a peaceful election, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) reminded the voters of the following “do’s and don’ts”:
Do’s:
* Know your precinct number and voting center.
* When voting, use the folder to cover your ballot.
* Avoid erasures and leaving unnecessary marks on the ballot.
* After voting, submit the ballot and leave the voting precinct to make space for other voters.
Don’ts:
* Vote more than once or be a substitute for other voters.
* Do not tear or destroy the ballot.
* Do not take a photo or a selfie with the ballot.
* Do not hesitate to ask the precinct personnel for guidance.
Be guided accordingly.
(AI/MNM)
The PNP, BOC, and PDEA unveiled P2.2 billion worth of methamphetamine (shabu) hidden in a beef jerky shipment at the Manila International Container Port in Tondo, Manila, on October 6, 2023.
Authorities estimate the drugs weigh 323 kilos and have a street value of P2.2 billion. They were discreetly packed in plastic packets, each wrapped in carbon paper and aluminum foil.
Media was shown neatly arranged 1,109 plastic packs allegedly containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu.
(Report & photography by Benjamin Cuaresma/ai/mnm)