NBI installs surveillance cameras

MANILA, Philippines - The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is trying out closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras as part of its added security measures to protect its headquarters on Taft Avenue, Manila.

“We installed these CCTVs during the weekend, as a trial first. We are still looking for a good location for these. News reports said there was a threat last Jan. 31, that was last Sunday. These CCTVs were placed as an order from our deputy director, lawyer Ruel Lasala, of the intelligence services. We are monitoring the compound 24 hours a day, seven days a week, because of the security threats. We also added security personnel,” said Head Agent Noel Morales, chief of the NBI’s Security Management Division (SMD), told reporters.

There are two CCTV cameras: one at the main gate along Taft Avenue, the other at the detention area of the compound. One monitor is at Morales’ office, while another monitor will be installed in Lasala’s office.

Morales said the CCTVs were installed only last Saturday as part of its added security measure after the NBI received last week an intelligence report about a plot to bomb the NBI and the nearby Supreme Court, and another plot to spring massacre suspect Andal Ampatuan Jr.

“While our detainee Ampatuan is here, there is always a threat. But the NBI is always on that status of a heightened alert. Just is case he would be transferred, maybe that’s the only time our alert would be lowered,” said Morales.   – Sandy Araneta