Wanky considers radios over phones for on-duty police

By Jennifer P. Rendon

Mobile phones, while a boon for easy communication and quick access to information, can also distract employees on the job.

Brigadier General Jack Wanky, the Western Visayas police chief, underscored the need for discipline.

“That’s why we’re monitoring the unnecessary use of cellphones while on duty,” he said, echoing his prior directive.

Wanky is contemplating a ban on cellphone use for officers, especially those on patrol, and has initiated a tally of handheld radios within the force.

“The most effective communication tool for the PNP is truly the handheld radio. We’re not there yet. In other countries, handheld radios and body-worn cameras are standard gear,” Wanky noted.

He has proposed this change to his superiors and urged local commanders to seek “benevolent” donors, like stakeholders and local governments, to equip their police forces with radios.

Wanky also clarified that the cellphone ban for on-duty officers isn’t all-encompassing.

Mobile phones may be used for reporting, as some commanders require swift updates from their officers.

Recently, Wanky reiterated the directive to curb mobile phone usage during duty hours, following orders from the new Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, General Rommel Francisco Marbil.

The PNP Regional Internal Affairs Service (RIAS) has been instructed to perform “Red Teaming” operations to ensure compliance. This initiative seeks to uncover and address security plan vulnerabilities.

Wanky explained that the Red Team would determine whether officers using mobile phones during duty are doing so for official business or personal reasons.

“There will be on-the-spot checks, and violators will be investigated,” Wanky stated.

He plans to increase the number of personnel conducting these inspections.