PNP exploring AI, global practices vs hostage crisis

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September 23, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — To improve response to hostage-taking and other high-risk emergencies, the Philippine National Police is exploring the use of artificial intelligence and foreign best practices, PNP chief Gen. Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said yesterday.

Nartatez said the evolving security environment requires police to improve their negotiation, decision-making and crisis management capabilities, particularly in situations where lives are at risk.

“Every hostage situation is a race against time where lives are at stake. We must equip our personnel with the right skills, the right technology and the right knowledge to make sound decisions when every second counts,” Nartatez said.

He said the PNP was studying how AI could support its crisis response techniques while adopting practices used by police forces in other countries.

“We will continue to learn from global best practices to ensure that our police are ready to respond decisively and responsibly to any crisis,” he said.

Nartatez also directed the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) to regularly brief local police units to ensure uniform operational standards nationwide.

The AKG recently conducted a hostage negotiation course for its personnel, covering negotiation, crisis management and decision-making in hostage and other critical incidents.

The PNP said the training would be cascaded to police personnel on the ground to strengthen their readiness in handling crisis situations.