Talisay to install CCTV cameras in 2 villages

CEBU, Philippines - The Talisay City government will beef up its security with closed-circuit TV cameras that will be installed in strategic places along the main thoroughfares. 

Vice Mayor Alan Bucao,  chairman of the Committee on Public Order, Safety, Traffic Management and Public Utilities, yesterday said the cameras will be installed in barangays Bulacao and Mananga for the reason that the areas are densely populated.

The move to purchase CCTV is part of the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for calendar year 2013. 

The city is planning to purchase 10 cameras for P25,000,000.

“Ako lang klarohon nga naapil ni siya sa AIP pero dili buot pasabot nga paliton dayon ning 10 ka units of CCTV. We will do it by phases,” Bucao told The Freeman. 

Bucao, who also sits as chairman of the city traffic commission, said the CCTV will help the city police to monitor illegal activities and ensure faster response. 

He said the cameras will be useful in traffic monitoring and faster resolution of cases against property as well as to provide security for the people in the area.

Through the wireless connection, all CCTV cameras will be monitored using the main system located at the Civil Security Unit at city hall.

Bucao said the city government has been obliging business and commercial establishments to install CCTV systems, which requires all owners of city-based business establishments such as banks, malls, gasoline stations, supermarkets, pawnshops, money-changers, 24-hour convenience stores, schools, fastfood restaurants/quick service restaurants, and car dealerships to install surveillance cameras within their respective premises to deter lawlessness.

Bucao, the proponent of the ordinance, said failure to comply with the new law would mean the imposition of penalties such as the issuance of a warning for the first offense, a fine of P2,500 for the second offense, and another fine of P5,000 for the third offense.

Establishments which handle extensive monetary transactions amounting to the exchange of goods or services a minimum capitalization of P1 million as per record submitted to the Business Permit and Licensing Office, will be required to have CCTVs.  – THE FREEMAN