BI starts process of buying body cams

THE Bureau of Immigration (BI) has allotted P16 million for the procurement of body cameras to be worn by immigration officers assigned at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) and other major ports to enhance transparency in the bureau's operations.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said on Sunday the bureau will purchase state-of-the-art body cameras capable of live streaming for real-time monitoring of airport personnel's activities.

«We have already initiated the procurement process, and by the end of the year, we can start the deployment of the cameras,» said Tansingco.

The body cameras will be used primarily by immigration secondary inspectors.

«Body cameras will ensure that our immigration officers are effective and accountable for their actions as law enforcers; it would be easier for us to investigate complaints of misconduct with the use of body cams, and it would also remind our officers to always be professional in the conduct of their duties,» Tansingco said.

Apart from body cameras, the BI also shared that they are procuring additional electronic gates to replace 50 percent of their manual operations by 2026.

Last month, the BI said it was studying procuring AI technologies as an added layer of security in international ports of entry and exit.

Technological upgrade, Tansingco said, is part of the BI's drive to modernize its operations to be on par with foreign counterparts.