Photo courtesy of PNP/Facebook.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) is preparing for a major expansion of its body-worn camera program, with plans to acquire up to 20,000 AI-enabled units for a force of more than 230,000 personnel.
Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla disclosed the planned procurement during a House budget hearing, noting that the PNP currently has only about 2,000 body cameras available.
The proposed acquisition would substantially increase the number of recording devices available for police operations, although the total would still cover only a fraction of the entire force.
PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the new cameras were expected to produce clearer and more reliable footage through improved lenses and image quality suited for AI-assisted processing.
“The AI-enabled body cameras will enhance the PNP’s capability to document police operations with clearer and more reliable footage. This will help preserve evidence, support investigations, and promote greater accountability among our personnel,” Nartatez said.
Before the new technology is deployed, the PNP said it would coordinate with concerned agencies in drafting guidelines on the use of AI functions, including rules on privacy, storage and handling of recorded evidence.
Body-worn cameras already form part of court-mandated safeguards in certain police operations. Under Supreme Court rules issued in 2021, officers serving search and arrest warrants are required to use at least one body-worn camera and one alternative recording device.
Nartatez said the expanded use of cameras could provide a more objective record of police encounters, giving investigators additional evidence while strengthening accountability and protection for both civilians and law enforcers.