Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Police General Debold Sinas discouraged the public from taking videos or photos of crime incidents as this could endanger one’s life.
Sinas was asked to respond concerning the public’s sentiment that it was fortunate that Police Senior Master Sergeant Jonel Nuezca killing his mother and son neighbors was caught on video.
Sinas said that taking video or photos of a crime could put witnesses at risk.
“I think nasa mga tao po ‘yun, sa mga witness na kumuha (ng video and photos). I will not advise because very tricky ‘yun. Baka mamaya kumuha ka ng video tapos baka mababalingan ka, so sa inyo po ‘yun,” he said.
“If I may suggest, kung may mga ganoong incident, we just witness at saka ‘wag na tayo mag-interfere lalo na pag armed or dangerous ‘yung suspect or ‘yung mga involved,” he added.
The PNP chief said if the public really wants to take videos or photos, they should make sure that they are far from the crime scene.
Sinas also asked the public to stop posting videos or photos on social media and show them to authorities instead as evidence.
Sinas discourages public from taking videos, photos of crime incidents
“Instead of having it posted sa internet, baka makuwan pa, matamper pa. Show it officially to the investigators at magtestify ka na ikaw ang kumuha,” Sinas said.
Sinas, in an official statement, said, “The PNP leadership strongly condemns to the highest order the criminal act committed by one of our police personnel that had gone viral.”
“Likewise, an investigation will also motu propio be conducted by the PNP Internal Affairs Service. I have further directed the IAS to ensure the quick resolution of the summary hearing case against PSSg Huesca for my approval of his immediate dismissal from the service,” he added.
However, Sinas insisted, “The PNP considers this as an isolated involvement of the person of PSSg Huesca. In no way will such incident affect the sworn duty of the 221,000 police personnel to serve and protect our people.”