MANILA – The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday received a three-dimensional (3D) laser scanning and mapping equipment procured by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC) in partnership with the Japanese government.
PNP Forensic Group (FG) Director Brig. Gen. Benjamin Sembrano said the donation will greatly enhance their efficiency in solving crimes.
“This 3D scanner will revolutionize our crime scene investigation process by providing precise 3D documentation and reconstruction of the complex crime scenes,” Sembrano said during the equipment’s turnover rites at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
The equipment worth PHP2.8 million is expected to improve the ability of police investigators in documenting and reconstructing complex crime scenes by capturing accurate and detailed images crucial for investigation and legal proceedings.
“With that, we will enhance our ability to gather crucial evidence to reconstruct events and bring perpetrators to justice. This, in turn, significantly contributes to our standardizations, overall success and performance,” he added.
Sembrano thanked the UNODC and the Japanese government for their steadfast support and generous donation to further enhance the PNP’s capabilities to address security threats posed by terrorism, violent extremism and high-profile cases which demand immediate investigation.
“Your contribution strengthens our operational and investigation readiness and embodies a profound commitment to the welfare and effectiveness of those who we serve and protect,” Sembrano said.
Koichi Warisawa, director of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs international safety and security cooperation division, led the ceremonial turnover of the state-of-the-art equipment to the Forensic Group.
“This is the latest example of Japan’s contribution to Southeast Asian countries, including the Philippines, in partnership with the UNODC in areas of law enforcement and criminal justice in countering and preventing terrorism and organized crime,” Warisawa said in a speech.
More equipment donation
On Thursday, the police force also received various office and police equipment donated by the PNP Foundation, Inc. (PNPFI).
PNPFI chairperson and former senator Panfilo Lacson and PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil signed the deed of donation valued at PHP11 million, which include desktop computers, printers, closed-circuit television systems, bulletproof vests and mountain bikes.
Marbil said the donations will greatly enhance the administrative and operational efficiency of PNP personnel across various units nationwide.
He thanked the PNPFI for their unwavering support in strengthening the PNP’s capabilities to serve the public with excellence and integrity. (PNA)