Manila, June 27 -- The utilization of new technologies such as drones and closed-circuit television (CCTV) has allowed the Philippine National Police (PNP) to step up and speed up its response to emergency situations, Malacanang said on Friday.

It was the response of Palace Press Officer Claire Castro to Vice President Sara Z. Duterte's comment on "traditional" visibility measures being undertaken by police officers.

Duterte earlier told the PNP to prioritize the use of modern technology such as drones and CCTVs, instead of focusing on the traditional way of intensifying police presence in public spaces.

Citing PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III, Castro said the PNP has already incorporated technologies such as drones and CCTVs in its op...