PNP vows to use body cams, be more transparent as it resumes role in drug war

The Philippine National Police vowed to be more transparent in the conduct of its anti-narcotics operations after President Rodrigo Duterte restored its active status in his war on drugs.

PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Dionardo Carlos told GMA News Online that police officers would be equipped with body cameras during operations versus drug personalities.

Carlos said the PNP would also get individuals who will serve as witnesses to the regularity of the operations.

“PNP will utilize body cameras, will put more focus in internal cleansing, allow other sectors to join/witness the ops for transparency,” Carlos said.

Duterte has ordered the Philippine National Police to resume operations against illegal drugs, Malacanang announced on Tuesday.

Presidential spokesman Secretary Harry Roque said the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency would remain the lead agency in the campaign.

"The first, and I quote, is directing the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies, to resume, providing active support to the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, in the conduct of anti-illegal drug operations," he said.

In October, Duterte ordered the PDEA to be the sole agency handling the drug war.

The PNP had been involved in the questionable killings of teenage suspects before Duterte's order to make PDEA take the lead role in the war on drugs.

"Now, this supersedes the earlier memorandum that designated the PDEA as the sole agency that will deal with the anti-illegal drug operations... Meaning, Pdea remains the lead but the PNP will again participate in the anti-illegal drug operations," Roque said.

Also to resume active support to the PDEA are the National Bureau of Investigation, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Bureau of Customs and Philippine Postal Corporation. —NB, GMA News