The Philippine National Police (PNP) admitted using Discord as one of its communication platforms but said its operations were not disrupted during the temporary ban imposed on the app.

According to a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, PNP spokesperson PCol. Allen Rae Co said the police force has systems that use Discord, particularly for certain communication needs, but also has alternative platforms available.

The clarification came after netizens questioned why the PNP was seen using Discord at its command center, where the app was displayed on a large screen, despite the temporary restriction imposed on the platform.

“Suffice to say na mayroon ibang system na gumagamit tayo ng Discord, especially previously. Mayroon talaga tayong mga system na gumagamit ng Discord at depende sa situation kung ano yung mas ginagamit na platform,” Co said.

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Cybercrime Investigation and Coordinating Center (CICC) temporarily restricted access to Discord after the platform allegedly failed to comply with government requirements amid an investigation into shootings linked to several schools in the country.

Co said the temporary ban did not affect police operations because the PNP could shift to other communication systems when necessary.