PNP urges merchants: 'Install CCTV cameras'

CEBU, Philippines - The Philippine National Police Regional Intelligence Division urged retailers to help mitigate the number of theft and robbery cases in Cebu and invest in  installing quality closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their respective stores.

PNP Regional Intelligence Division Chief Supt. Paul Gacayan Labra II said that CCTV installation in stores is now deemed an important tool to strengthen security and easily solve crimes.

"We are urging merchants to make sure that their surveillance cameras are up and working and the video is of good quality," Labra said during the recent Philippine Retailers Association (PRA-Cebu) general membership meeting.

Security within the retail establishments is one of the top priority programs now being looked at by PRA-Cebu.

According to PRA-Cebu president Jun Yap, security in retail establishments is one of the major issues faced by retailers. In fact, it is equally important as sales and merchandise.

Yap said that PRA-Cebu is taking a proactive stance in eliminating or minimizing these security threats.

Other recommendations by police include immediate reporting of incidents to the nearest police station and active involvement of merchants in various anti-crime prevention programs conducted by law enforcement agencies as well as hiring of security guards from competent security agencies.

The PNP admitted they are limited in the deployment of policemen by the lack of personnel, compounded by challenges on limited patrol cars and the changing and evolving modus operandi of criminal groups or gangs.

"We don't have enough policemen to attend to all the security needs of the public," said Labra.

The ideal police to population ratio is at 1:500, according to international standards. However, Labra said that police-population ratio in Cebu City is at 1:1,700 with an estimated 900 policemen assigned in designated areas.

Central Visayas has a total of 8,000 policemen.

The PNP has instituted programs on peace and order such as the implementation of mobile police outpost which can be transferred, expanded night watch and the directive to conduct check points within the city twice a day.

The police also appointed some of its personnel to act as tourist police to ensure the safety of local and foreign tourists, particularly in Bohol.

The PNP has also reached out to community stakeholders like taxi drivers, convenience store owners and hotel security officers as informants. /JMD (FREEMAN)