(Eagle News)–Philippine National Police Chief Archie Gamboa on Monday, June 22, urged the police to maximize the use of information and communication technology in going after criminals.
Gamboa issued the statement as he announced the PNP would “reformulate police response procedures” to ensure the health and safety of the police and the general public amid the new normal due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
He said through the initiative of the Directorate for Investigation and Detective Management, the PNP would publish a Revised PNP First Responders’ Manual under the New Normal to “emphasize the observance of minimum health standards in a crime scene; modified duty rotation of mobile and beat patrollers; orientation of health safety protocols; and proper use of protective equipment.”
A similar Revised Manual for Police Investigators is also being finalized to “better equip our crime investigators with investigative tools and technology that will not only minimize the risk of exposure to the COVID-19 virus but will also enhance capacity to solve and monitor cases, serve court processes and harmonize the functions of the criminal justice system,” he said.
So far, he said 499 policemen have been infected with the virus.
The recovery rate, he said, was almost at 60 percent, though, with 155 personnel restored to “full-duty fit-to-work status” out of the 288 PNP patients who have been declared cured of the infection.
He said the rest of the recovered PNP patients are awaiting completion of the required quarantine and monitoring period.
“Nonetheless, we firmly believe that it is in protecting our own personnel that the PNP is able to protect and serve the Filipino people better,” he added.
