The 21st City Council of Davao has approved a landmark measure introducing AI-powered facial recognition technology at key entry points to strengthen the city’s border security.
The ordinance, titled “An Ordinance Strengthening the Public Safety and Border Security System of Davao City through the Integration of AI Facial Recognition Technology in Critical Entry and Exit Points, and for Other Purposes,” passed on third and final reading on Tuesday.
Committee on Information and Technology Chair Councilor Bonz Andrei Militar, the proponent of the measure, said the system will bolster city security using advanced technology while ensuring data privacy.
“The system does not collect data from the public. It only uses information from the PNP, Task Force, and other agencies to track wanted individuals, missing persons, or known terrorists,” Militar said.
Under the new system, individuals entering terminals, public hubs, and the airport will be scanned against watchlists.
“If someone is not in the database, their information will not be stored,” he added.
Militar highlighted the system’s high accuracy, which will be reinforced by additional CCTV cameras for improved monitoring.
Davao City Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) chief Angel Sumagaysay described the AI program as a powerful new tool that targets only persons of interest.
He said with the budget already allocated, full implementation is expected by next year.
“Naka-ready na ang allocation for this purpose. We are hoping na ma-implement na siya dayon for the next year,” Sumagaysay said.
Meanwhile, Militar’s second ordinance, “An Ordinance Enhancing Davao City’s Emergency Response System through the Establishment of the Davao Smart Emergency Response and Locator – Computer-Aided Response and Emergency Dispatch (SERAL-CARED) System, and for Other Purposes,” was also approved on third and final reading.
The SERAL-CARED system aims to modernize emergency response capabilities in the city.
Militar emphasized that despite Davao City’s recognition as a Hall of Famer in emergency disaster response, continuous improvement remains a top priority.
