The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Friday that it is preparing to deploy a new batch of body cameras featuring artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, aimed at enhancing police operation recording, evidence preservation, and accountability mechanisms.
This initiative aligns with the directives of President Marcos Jr. and Interior Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. to strengthen the application of police technology, improve law enforcement transparency, and increase accountability.
PNP Chief Benjamin Acorda Jr. noted that AI-enabled body cameras will provide officers with more reliable video recordings when performing their duties and interacting with the public.
He said AI cameras could enhance the police’s capability to document law enforcement activities, delivering clearer and more reliable footage that would assist in evidence preservation, investigations, and strengthen officer accountability.
Interior Secretary Abalos recently revealed at the House Committee on Appropriations’ briefing regarding the budget for the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) that police will procure 10,000 to 20,000 new AI-enabled body cameras this year.
He stated the new devices are expected to come with more advanced lenses and higher video quality to facilitate AI processing. The bidding process for this procurement has already been completed, and additional cameras will continue to be purchased annually in the future.
Acorda pointed out that expanding the use of this technology would not only protect the public but also safeguard officers, as the cameras would objectively record situations occurring during police-public interactions and while performing their duties.
He emphasized that police will ensure body cameras are used to enhance law enforcement transparency and accountability, strictly complying with existing laws and policies to ensure the proper use of the equipment by officers.
He added that implementing AI features will also require coordination between the police and DILG, as well as other relevant agencies, to develop implementation guidelines while adhering to personal privacy and evidence-handling regulations.
Proposed Budget to Strengthen Community Safety
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Abalos presented the DILG’s 2027 proposed budget of 332.5 billion pesos to the House, committing to ensure public funds are transformed into efficient and meaningful public services.
He said the proposed budget will support the Department's key plans and projects, including empowering local government units (LGU), maintaining community safety, and enhancing emergency response capabilities.
According to the budget proposal, the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP)—the three uniformed agencies under DILG—will receive the top three budget allocations in 2027.
Among them, the PNP is proposed to receive a budget allocation of 242.5 billion pesos, a 7% increase over the previous year, mainly for strengthening police forces, enhancing police operations, and building new facilities.
Abalos stated that the DILG will continue to work with Congress and other government agencies to promote effective governance and deliver tangible and beneficial public services that people can truly experience and benefit from.