BI to use body-worn cameras at airports

MANILA, Philippines - Amid the human trafficking probe at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the Bureau of Immigration would equip all its personnel assigned at airports with body-worn cameras, BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado said.

The cameras, equipped with voice-recording capability, are targeted to be deployed by October.

"This is not only about documenting our officers' transactions. The body-worn cameras will strengthen accountability, transparency and monitoring, and serve as a deterrent against any personnel who may attempt to abuse their position," Viado said.

He added that the project is already in the implementation stage.

The measure comes amid the ongoing internal investigation into the attempted departure of a potential human trafficking and illegal recruitment victim at the NAIA Terminal 1 on Sept. 12.

Three BI personnel are being investigated for their involvement in the scheme. The Inter-Agency Council Against Trafficking is investigating the roles of two other people.