ABC to install CCTV in upland brgys

CEBU, Philippines — The Association of Barangay Councils- Cebu City Chapter is planning to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and ask for visibility of both police and barangay tanods in the mountain barangays to maintain peace and order.

ABC President Franklyn Ong said the strafing incidents in Barangays Sudlon 2, Malubog, and Sinsin should not be taken lightly because it involves the safety of the barangay officials and the people.

“Ang first nga gihimo is atong gi-request ang City Director (Cebu City Police Office Director Royina Garma) nga fast track sa investigation sa nahitabo kon unsa gyud ang motive ana,” he told reporters.

(Our first step was to request the city director to fast track the investigation to determine the motive)

Ong said that Mayor Tomas Osmeña had already asked the police to deploy a special task force to ensure the safety of the people in the mountain barangays because of the alleged presence of armed men.

Osmeña has given Garma 10 days to resolve the strafing incidents otherwise the city government will suspend the incentives given by the city to the police officers assigned in the mountain barangays. Asked what could be the motive behind the strafing incidents, Ong said he will defer his conclusion until the police investigation is done.

“So, dili sad ta pwede mo rush og judgment kay ang police nag investigate paman. Paabot ta sa final conclusion kon unsay cause sa strafing sa Sudlon ug sa Sinsin ug Malubog,” he said.

(We cannot rush into judgment because the police are still investigating. Let us wait for the final conclusion what really is the cause of the strafing incidents in Sudlon, Sinsin, and Malubog)

Sudlon II Barangay Captain Prescillo Alborez yesterday visited Ong to discuss safety measures in the mountain barangays. Alborez said the police have already beefed up the security in the mountain barangays, but he said this is not enough. Alborez wants to expedite the investigation into the strafing incidents and bring the culprits behind bars.

Aside from the police, barangay tanods are also conducting random patrol after the strafing incident in his residence, Alborez said.

“Awhag gyud ko nga mo aware sila (police) aning butanga kay dili mani basta-basta. Dako mani nga krimen. Kon nahitabo pa nga naay pamilya nadaot ato, lisod kaayo,” he added.

Alborez said he was also told by Ong that the city will process the procurement of CCTV cameras to be installed in the mountain barangays.

Ong, for his part, said he has yet to check if the procurement of CCTV cameras is covered by the election ban.

The installation of CCTV cameras in the upland barangays would help deter any types of crime and would help resolve crimes as well.

The City Council earlier approved Ong’s resolution charging P8.4 million under Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) funds for the procurement of CCTV cameras. (FREEMAN)