Solon says strict implementation of bodycams will avert cover-up during buy-busts听听
A LAWMAKER called for the mandatory use of body cameras during drug buy-busts, saying a video recording would be 鈥a hard to refute documentation鈥 of the operation and avert attempts at any cover-up.听听
鈥Whether the narcotics seized weigh one kilo or one ton, a video recording is the best receipt there is,鈥 Deputy Speaker and Batangas Rep. Ralph G. Recto said on Sunday.听听听
High-ranking police officers were recently linked in an alleged attempt to cover up their involvement in a buy-bust operation last year that yielded 990 kilograms of crystal methamphetamine, known in the Philippines as shabu.听听
Mr. Recto said authorities should stop relying on lamppost closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage and should obtain footage from 鈥equipment they carry before, during and after the operation.鈥听听
The Philippine National Police issued in August 2021 operational guidelines and policies on the use of body-worn cameras during law enforcement activities.听听听
The police guidelines were released after the Supreme Court approved a resolution requiring law enforcers to use at least one body-worn camera and one alternative recording device when serving search and arrest warrants as well as during warrantless arrests. 鈥 Beatriz Marie D. Cruz
