By Aaron Recuenco
The Philippine National Police (PNP) has started conducting training programs related to information and communications technology to its personnel in a bid to improve the operational and investigative capabilities of the police organization amid the rising cases of crimes in the cyberspace.
Director of the Directorate for Information and Communication Technology Management (DICTM), Police Maj. Gen. Valeriano De Leon said they have already opened a new class in order to develop expertise among as many PNP personnel as possible, which is now being pushed by PNP chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin.
“The PNP will continue to conduct trainings and seminars because learning is a continuous process leading to digital transformation through the attainment of DICTM’s mission and vision. The need for modern information and communications technological advancement has prompted the PNP to pursue an ICT reengineering strategy that would necessitate the integration of information and communications technology,” said De Leon.
“These strategies will give the PNP the knowledge and understanding of ICT policies, the planning system and data integration, and research on interoperability, ICT standardization, the acquisition, use, and development of information systems, networks, electronic and communications technology resources, and the maintenance of all ICT assets,” he added.
De Leon explained that with the fast-paced advancements in ICT nowadays, there is a need for the PNP to catch up in order to ensure that the PNP is at least one step ahead of criminal elements, particularly those using the World Wide Web as their playground.
The PNP is one of the law enforcement agencies tasked with enforcing the laws on cyberspace.
The police organization has also long pushed for paperless communication and fast and easy data sharing and retrieval for operation and investigation matters.
“Gone were the days when it was common to take things at a slow pace to make obstinate marks for growth and development. We are in a world of continuous change where we are prompted to look beyond the future. “We owe it” or “we blame it” to the fast transformation of information and communications technology that now dictates an “e-global way of life,” he said.
