- City police chief backs proposed facial recognition ordinance, but with conditions
THE DAVAO City Police Office (DCPO) is supporting the proposed ordinance to use a facial recognition system in designated areas across the city, provided that the tool is implemented ethically and inclusively.
Acting city director Col Mannan C. Muarip participated in a coordination meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 6, at the Public Safety and Security Office along Juna Subdivision to finalize the ordinance’s guidelines and parameters.
The use of facial recognition aims to enhance surveillance capabilities, improve crime prevention, and significantly strengthen public safety throughout Davao City.
PSSO chief Angel Sumagaysay highlighted the importance of modern tools in maintaining public order.
“This ordinance is a step forward in modernizing our public safety tools,” Sumagaysay said. “Through responsible implementation and inter-agency collaboration, we can ensure that technology serves the people and protects the city.”
For his part, Muarip underscored the need to adopt the technology with the highest standards for privacy protection and utmost sensitivity toward the city’s diverse populace.
“The adoption of facial recognition technology must be carried out with utmost sensitivity, ensuring respect for religious diversity and equality,” Muarip emphasized.
“Our goal is to safeguard all communities in Davao City without bias or discrimination. Through inclusive and ethical implementation, we reaffirm our commitment to peace, security, and the protection of every citizen.”
PSSO operations officer Jose Daniel Quimpo and Major Jeffrey Alba of the Task Force Davao also joined the coordination meeting.
Councilor Bonz Andre Militar has been pushing for the facial recognition ordinance at border controls to enhance the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the 911 Command Center.
“This initiative will introduce a system featuring a digital, GPS-enabled, and geospatially integrated platform that will revolutionize emergency response,” he said.
The system will integrate GPS-based caller tracking, geotagging of communities, and smart dispatch coordination to precisely locate patients or callers, especially in hard-to-navigate barangays.
Photo courtesy of DCPO
