The Philippine National Police (PNP) has ordered that all police personnel deployed to secure the ongoing, three-day Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) rally in Manila must utilize body-worn cameras. The policy aims to ensure transparency and accountability in crowd management operations.
In a statement released Monday, PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. confirmed the directive, emphasizing that the use of body-worn cameras ensures that every interaction is fully documented.
“This is to prevent abuse and to ensure that every move we make is accountable,” Nartatez said, adding that the measure is intended to strengthen public trust and demonstrate the PNP’s commitment to lawful and respectful policing.
The recordings captured by the devices will serve as primary evidence in cases of alleged misconduct, provocation, or operational lapses during the protest.
“When there is a complaint, we will immediately review the footage,” Nartatez explained. “In this day and age where false information spreads quickly, the footage will help us correct false claims and present what truly happened.”
The INC organized the mass gathering, running from November 16 to 18 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila, to call for accountability regarding anomalous government flood control projects. The Manila Police District reported that the crowd estimate reached 650,000 people on the first day of the protest.
