The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Monday said it is gearing up for a major technological upgrade in its emergency and public safety operations, with plans to integrate drones, data analytics, and interconnected systems to enhance its crisis response capabilities.
PNP Acting Chief Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the initiative aims to strengthen emergency services and ensure that Filipinos have immediate access to assistance during critical situations.
According to Nartatez, the PNP is expanding its use of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also known as drones, for real-time monitoring, reconnaissance, and rapid information sharing during disasters, search and rescue operations, traffic management, and law enforcement missions.
“Drones can serve as our eyes in the sky during critical incidents, whether it’s a flood, fire, or large public event. They help us respond faster, plan better, and ensure the safety of both responders and civilians,” Nartatez explained.
The PNP first invested in drone technology in 2018, acquiring 700 drone units worth P56 million to support law enforcement, surveillance, and internal security operations.
These drones were distributed across police operating units, including elite groups such as the Special Action Force and provincial mobile groups.
Nartatez also revealed that the organization is exploring the use of predictive analytics to strengthen crime prevention and improve emergency readiness.
By studying patterns from crime reports, emergency calls, and mobility data, Nartatez said the PNP hopes to anticipate potential threats and deploy resources more efficiently.
“Through data-driven systems, we can shift from reactive to proactive policing. Our goal is to use information not just to respond to crime but to prevent it before it happens,” he added.
The initiative complements the Unified 911 Emergency Hotline System, recently launched by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Central Visayas with support from the PNP.
The 911 system centralizes emergency calls for police, fire, and medical assistance, ensuring faster coordination among first responders.
“With the Unified 911 system as our backbone, the next step is integration, that is, connecting our surveillance, data analytics, and response systems to create a seamless flow of information. This allows us to save more lives and ensure public safety more efficiently,” Nartatez explained.
As part of this modernization drive, Nartatez directed police units nationwide to explore the integration of drone operations, predictive analytics, CCTV networks, e-blotter systems, and regional operations centers into the Unified 911 Command Center.