AMID the controversy involving the killing of a minor in an anti-drug operation in Laguna, Senator Panfilo Lacson on Monday urged the Philippine National Police to fast track the procurement and deployment of body cameras for police operatives.

“The killing of a minor in a recent PNP drug bust operation and the subsequent ‘he says, she says’ conflicting versions of the story should prod the PNP to fast-track the procurement of more body cameras and require all their personnel deployed in field operations,” Lacson said.

“We hope the Supreme Court would issue soonest the guidelines and protocols for the use of the body cameras based on established jurisprudence that defines ‘reasonable expectation of privacy test’ — which will be a major asset to our law enforcers as well as improved protection of civilians against police abuses,” he added.

The senator was referring to the death of a 16-year-old in an anti-drug police operation in Laguna earlier this month. The teenager’s relatives insisted that he was killed while the police said the teen fought back.

At least 10 police officers linked to the death were placed under restrictive custody while the investigation is ongoing.

Lacson said the use of body cameras will help in evidence gathering and will serve as a deterrent against abuse by lawmen.

“Either way, the policeman committing an abuse in the exercise of his duties as well as the crime offender cannot use the ‘right to privacy’ as their defense since either of them will fail the test,” he added.