The Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) on Monday signed a memorandum of agreement to establish a “harmonized and seamlessly coordinated ICT system” in the country.
“I extend my deepest gratitude to DICT Secretary Atty. Ivan John E. Uy for your presence, support, and partnership in this essential endeavor. I am confident that by working together, we will pave the way for a safer, more secure, and digitally empowered Philippines,” said PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr.
He said the accord will not only foster integration, interoperability, and interconnection between respective systems and applications but also ensure their reciprocal enrichment and interdependence.
“The effective utilization of ICT assumes a paramount significance in safeguarding the welfare, security, and overall prosperity of our society. Recognizing this, the PNP, as the primary law enforcement agency, and the DICT, entrusted with harnessing the potential of ICT for national development, recognize the value of collaboration in achieving our shared goals,” he said.
“Through this endeavor, the PNP and the DICT will engage in mutual understanding, ranging from intelligence sharing, joint response to cyber incidents, capacity building, and exchange of best practices and technical expertise. These vital efforts address the emerging challenges and opportunities in the digital landscape,” Acorda added.
The PNP has embarked on digitalization program, particularly through its Secured, Mobile, Artificial Intelligence-Driven, Real-Time Technology (SMART) Policing — an approach that utilizes advanced technology to empower police forces, enhance operational efficiency, and effectively combat cybercrime.
Under SMART Policing, the National Police Clearance System (NPCS) was implemented across 779 PNP police stations and malls nationwide and has streamlined the generation of thousands of national police clearances.
It will also be used in improving the investigative capabilities of the PNP, particularly through the Firearms Identification System (FIS), a tool that accelerates the identification of firearms used in criminal incidents.
Another investment in digitalization efforts, Acorda said, is through the provision of Anti-Cybercrime ICT Equipment to the PNP Headquarters and Regional Units.
This equipment, he said, empowers police officers to dismantle illegal operations, combat human trafficking, and safeguard our nation against cyber criminals.
“In today’s digital age, the effective utilization of ICT assumes a paramount significance in safeguarding the welfare, security, and overall prosperity of our society,” Acorda said.
“Similarly on this notable occasion, I am honored to acknowledge the remarkable achievements of our awardees especially the DICTM personnel under the leadership of Maj. Gen. Bernard Banac as their expertise and initiative in developing ICT programs and projects have brought about transformative changes in law enforcement in our country,” he said.
For his part, the DICT secretary also announced the launching of the iReport app, a joint development of the DICT and the PNP teams, saying that this platform “aims to strengthen the law enforcement management system of the PNP by facilitating the receipt and response to crime reports from our citizens.”
Meanwhile, Acorda also welcomes the recent survey by Pulse Asia, where the public expressed satisfaction with the government’s handling of urgent national issues.
According to the survey, the PNP received approval ratings of 67 percent and 64 percent, respectively, for promoting peace and fighting crimes.
“I believe that these survey results can be attributed, at least in part, to the progress we have made in our ICT development. Although we understand there is much room for improvement, this positive feedback should inspire us to strive for better outcomes,” the PNP chief said.