Cops at INC rally to wear body cameras — PNP

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said Monday that police personnel deployed to secure the three-day rally of Iglesia ni Cristo (INC) in Manila will use body-worn cameras. 

In a statement, the PNP said the move aims to ensure full transparency and accountability on the part of the police in the conduct of crowd management.

“The use of body-worn cameras ensures that every interaction is documented,” PNP acting chief Police Lieutenant General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said. 

“Ito ay para maiwasan ang abuso at para masiguro na ang bawat galaw namin ay may pananagutan (This is to prevent abuse and to ensure that every move we make is accountable). This strengthens public trust that the PNP is committed to lawful and respectful policing,” he added. 

For Nartatez, the recordings from the body-worn cameras will serve as evidence in case of any allegations of misconduct, provocation, or operational lapses that may emerge during the protest. 

“Kapag may reklamo, agad naming rerepasuhin ang footage. Ang body-cam ang magsisilbing malinaw na ebidensya kung maayos at patas ang aming naging operasyon. Sa panahon ngayon na mabilis kumalat ang maling impormasyon, the footage will help us correct false claims and present what truly happened,” he said.

(When there is a complaint, we will immediately review the footage. The body cam will serve as clear evidence of whether our operation was proper and fair. In this day and age where false information spreads quickly, the footage will help us correct false claims and present what truly happened.) 

According to the PNP, Nartatez as well as Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla and NCRPO chief Police Major General Anthony Aberin were set to meet President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. in Malacañang. 

The INC organized a three-day rally from November 16 to 18 at the Quirino Grandstand in Manila to call for accountability amid the anomalous flood control projects in the government. 

On the first day of the protest Sunday, the Manila Police District (MPD) said the crowd reached 650,000 people at 6 p.m. 

Around 110,000 camped out overnight at the venue for the second day of the protest on Monday, according to the MPD. As of 10 a.m. on Monday, the crowd at Quirino Grandstand was growing to 180,000. 

Another group United People's Initiative (UPI) also staged a protest at the People Power Monument in Quezon City on Sunday. 

The crowd at the People Power Monument reached around 4,000 people at 7 p.m., according to the Quezon City Police District (QCPD). — Joviland Rita/RSJ, GMA Integrated News