After more than two years of delay, the Philippine National Police (PNP) has finally awarded the contract for the procurement of body cameras that will be used in anti-illegal drugs operations.
Lt. Gen. Archie Gamboa, PNP officer-in-charge, said the contract was awarded to the San Juan City-based EVI Distribution with the price of P288,888,888.
“This includes taxes, duties, maintenance and its data system,” said Gamboa on Thursday.
The data system, according to Gamboa, is sophisticated, reliable, and secure system which will allow complete system management, real-time live streaming, data storage and backup, and overall connectivity and monitoring.
“Among the inclusions of the procurement are connectivity systems, accessories, video management software, computer servers, and sufficient storage for the body worn cameras,” said Gamboa.
“This system is expected to equip our police units in support to our anti-criminality and anti-terrorism operations including mission-essential equipment for mobility and investigation,” he added.
More or less 3,000 body cameras are being targeted by the PNP for its personnel.
Gamboa said the National Management and Monitoring Center was chosen to be the unified data hub of body camera system.
The PNP Information Technology Management Service will man the monitoring center along with its 17 Regional Monitoring Centers, and 81 Provincial Monitoring Centers (PMCs).
But Gamboa said they will continue assessing the required performance security of the winning proponent and conduct final evaluation of the system before the issuance of the Supply Contract and Purchase Order this year.
The fund for bodycams was allocated by the Congress at the height of drug war controversy, especially the death of Kian delos Santos.
The procurement system, however, was delayed due to corruption allegations that led to the dismissal of three police majors. (Aaron Recuenco)
