Maribago obliges businesses to install surveillance cameras

CEBU, Philippines-  The barangay Maribago council in Lapu-Lapu City has approved an ordinance requiring private and commercial business establishments in the barangay to install Closed Circuit Television cameras or other video monitoring devices within their premises.

Barangay Councilor Arvin Abing, who introduced the ordinance, said there is a need for these devices as deterrence to the commission of crimes.

Crime syndicates nowadays have become daring in their operations, often using high powered firearms in their heists, the ordinance said.

According to Councilor Abing, business establishments such as pawnshops, money changers, banks, gasoline stations, malls and supermarkets, 24 hour grocery or convenience stores, internet café’s, restaurants, hotels and resorts, and other entertainment places are susceptible to robbery.

The new technologies have been designed to address problems of this nature and have been used by other barangays and cities nationwide.

The installation of CCTV cameras will also provide assistance to law enforcers in the identification, apprehension, and prosecution of suspects.

The ordinance covers all money changers, banks, pawnshops, lending institutions, gasoline stations, internet shops, privately owned wet and dry markets, shopping malls, supermarkets, entrance / exit gates of residential subdivisions, private schools, entrance / exit of all hotels and resorts and spa’s, restaurants, 24 hours grocery or convenience stores, bakeries, and all entertainment places operating within the barangay are covered by this ordinance.

The creation of a composite team has also been recommended. The barangay chairman will create a composite team that will be tasked to

inspect and monitor the implementation of this ordinance, to be composed of the following: a.) Chairman, committee on peace and order of the barangay, b.) PNP personnel designated in the barangay, c.) Chief barangay tanod.

Under Section 11, failure of the owners to install CCTV cameras in their business establishments, shall be subject to the following penalties: a.) First Offense – warning, with condition to install CCTV or similar devises within 15 days; b.) Second Offense – a fine of P1,500; c.) Third Offense – a fine of P2,500.