The PNP can mitigate and preempt potential civil unrest by incorporating drone

technology in order to survey and monitor areas where public mass gatherings
are occurring, during critical incidents, real-time intelligence is extremely
important. The use of drones and hi-definition security surveillance cameras
enable a clean sweep and survey of areas which would hold mass
demonstrations , it will also enable the PNP to record such events and pinpoint
persons who disrupt peaceful protest or those who start riots. Although public
gatherings for protest is an available right found in the 1987 Constitution, it is
by no means a way of circumventing current protocols involving social
distancing, of which are being implemented in order to mitigate the spread of
the novel corona virus. That’s why these events should be closely monitored
because violators cannot use the right to protest as an scapegoat towards not
following social distancing rules. The PNP still has to enforce the law even
amidst the demonstration of civil liberties. Because the safety and welfare of
the general public is still one of the top priorities which the PNP should uphold.

In terms of policing the population, general protocols should still be

implemented and by no means should the PNP abuse it’s authority and should
always respect human rights, because of the increasing use of social media and
smartphone technology, the PNP should instead adapt these technological
advances to its arsenal. And there’s no reason, for an officer to be ignorant of
the rights of an accused and during custodial investigations. Nothing will
change when it comes to search and arrest procedures even with the presence
of the pandemic, may be except for the way offenders are handled and that
police officers should always be in full PPE in order to avoid being
contaminated by the virus. The logic behind the reason why policing should not
be affected even in the presence of a deadly pandemic it is because our country is
ruled by democracy and if there becomes an imbalance of power and authority
then this would result into an autocratic rule, or worse tyranny and dictatorship.
The PNP organization must still uphold its mandate and mission which is to serve
and protect.