DILG eyes central database for persons with criminal records
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is eyeing the creation of a central database for persons with criminal records within the year. ɫTV file photo / RYAN LEAGOGO
MANILA, Philippines — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) is eyeing the creation of a central database for persons with criminal records within the year.
DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla announced this goal in a press conference after a simulation exercise at the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) on Monday.
“Hanggang ngayon, wala pa rin tayong ganoon. Kung may naaresto sa Taytay, Palawan, hindi mo alam kung may criminal record siya sa Makati. Kung nagtatago lang, pwede niya palitan niya pangalan niya,” Remulla explained.
(Until now, we still don’t have that. If someone was arrested in Taytay, Palawan, you wouldn’t know if they had a criminal record in Makati. If they’re hiding, they can change their name.)
“Ang aim ko within this year ay magkaroon ng central database at magkaroon ng app na yung pulis natin. Basta pipicturan yung tao, alam kaagad kung ano ang record niya,” the interior secretary stressed.
(My aim within this year is for there to be a central database and an app for our police officers. As long as a photo of the person is taken, we’d already know right away what their record is.)
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Remulla cited the QCPD’s investigation solution automatic verification system, which helped apprehend 4,711 individuals from January 1 to May 15, 2025, according to the police district.
The interior secretary also proposed utilizing biometric data from the national identification system.