Measure proposes to punish tampering with CCTVs

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Council has approved on first reading a proposed ordinance prohibiting the unauthorized removal, destruction, tampering with, obstruction of, or interference with city-owned closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras and their components.

The measure seeks to protect the city’s CCTV infrastructure, which plays a role in maintaining peace and order, preventing crime, monitoring public spaces, and supporting law enforcement and disaster response operations.

Under the proposed ordinance, anyone found violating the measure may be fined up to ?5,000, imprisoned up to one year, or both, at the discretion of the court.

The proposed penalties are consistent with Section 458(a)(1)(iii) of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code, and other applicable laws.

Councilor Jennifer Del Mar, author of the proposed ordinance, said public safety should not be treated solely as the responsibility of the police or local government but also as a shared responsibility of the community.

She said the city’s CCTV cameras, installed along roads, public spaces, and government facilities, serve as additional eyes that help monitor incidents and prevent crimes.

She also stressed that public properties should not be damaged, tampered with, or used in ways that could compromise the welfare of the general public.

“Ang matag kamera ug matag kagamitan nga gibutang sa atong dakbayan gigamit alang sa usa ka katuyoan, ang pagtabang sa pagmintinar sa kahapsay ug kaluwasan sa publiko,” she said.

The proposed measure recognizes city-owned CCTV cameras and their components as public assets that must be protected from unauthorized interference.

It also notes that tampering with CCTV systems could compromise public safety, hamper crime investigations, and undermine the delivery of public security services.

Having passed first reading, the proposed ordinance will still undergo the succeeding legislative processes before it can take effect. — (FREEMAN)