The South Cotabato Police Provincial Office has sought the assistance of the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) for the provision of body-worn cameras which will be used during anti-illegal drug operations in the province.
SCPPO Chief Operations Officer PLtCol Verlin Pampolina said the body-worn camera is needed as the Supreme Court has required cops to wear body cameras during executions of warrants.
However, South Cotabato cops do not have the necessary logistics to execute the same due to a lack of funds.
Pampolina disclosed that out of the 11 police stations in the province, only the Koronadal City Police Station has body-worn cameras. The rest of the police stations in the province do not have said equipment.
“Aside from in adherence to the ruling, these devices are also needed for transparency. “ Pampolina said,
Many speculations remain unresolved whenever the police conduct operations, be it in the form of applications for arrest, search, and seizure warrants. Through body-worn cameras, any doubts can be eliminated.
Based on the SC ruling earlier issued, the body-worn cameras must be accompanied by a recording device, which the PNP presently lacks.
PADAC assures the SCPPO that it will give the necessary funding support it needs whenever funds are available. The council, which is composed of different agencies and sectors is helping each other in the fight against illegal drugs in the province.
The provincial government of South Cotabato under the leadership of Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo as the chairperson has allocated a sufficient amount to the council amidst the pandemic. This is to support the different programs and projects proposed by its members.
