SC to issue rules on use of police body cams

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) will issue guidelines on the use of body cameras by law enforcers during police operations, for transparency and to uphold the constitutional rights of individuals, Chief Justice Alexander Gesmundo said yesterday.

Gesmundo said the guidelines might be signed today, but would take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or newspapers of general circulation.

“In full session, the court approved the final draft. But it will have to be printed and SC justices would have to sign the final resolution,” Gesmundo said.

Gesmundo and other SC magistrates recently discussed the use of body cameras with Philippine National Police chief Gen. Guillermo Eleazar.

The 15-member high court has approved a proposal to require the use of body cameras for law enforcers who will serve search and arrest warrants to be issued by the courts.

Reports said the use of body cameras was tackled by SC justices during a meeting on Tuesday in the wake of the killings of nine activists in Calabarzon on March 7.

Calls for the police to wear body cameras started in 2017 after the killing of 17-year-old Kian delos Santos and 19-year-old Carl Arnaiz during anti-narcotics operations drew public outrage.