The Philippine National Police (PNP) announced Wednesday that it has received PHP300 million from the national government for specific training and education of police officers to boost their law enforcement capabilities, particularly in digital technologies in light of the country's high prevalence of cybercrime.
The comprehensive training and education programs for police officers aim to boost the force's investigative and case-building capacities, according to PNP Chief Gen. Rodolfo Azurin Jr.
He believes that police personnel must be skilled in dealing with cybercrime, which has grown in prevalence since the beginning of the epidemic when nearly everything migrated to digital transactions and operations.
Azurin and Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla signed a memorandum of arrangement (MOA) on Tuesday that will allow the DOJ to help the PNP equip police investigators with the essential skills and knowledge in a case build-up.
Remulla previously raised alarm over the country's low conviction rate, citing the significant number of cases dismissed in court owing to technicalities.
The considerable allotment for police officer training and education was provided by Special Provision 11 of the Fiscal Year 2023 General Appropriations Act.
Meanwhile, the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the PNP and the DOJ, he added, is expected to have a significant influence on enhancing peace and order across the country.
