BI to buy P16 million body cameras

MANILA, Philippines — The Bureau of Immigration is set to purchase P16 million worth of body cameras to better monitor the activities and assess the performance of BI personnel assigned to the country’s international airports.

In a statement yesterday, BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco said the body cameras would be used for secondary inspection.

“We have initiated the procurement process and expect that by the end of the year, we can start the deployment of the cameras,” he said.

Tansingco explained that through body cameras, he could monitor from his office the activities of BI personnel since the devices are capable of sending livestream videos.

“It would be easier for us to investigate complaints of misconduct with the use of body cams. It would also remind our officers to always be professional in the conduct of their duties,” he said.

The BI also said it is procuring additional electronic gates to replace 50 percent of its manual gates by 2026.

Last month, the agency said that it is studying procuring artificial intelligence technologies as an added layer of security in international ports of entry and exit.

The technological upgrades are part of the BI’s objective to modernize its operations to be at par with its foreign counterparts.