Aurora town council okays CCTV cameras in establishments

DIPACULAO, Aurora, Philippines – The 11-man Sangguniang Bayan here has passed an ordinance requiring all commercial and service establishments to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.

Authored by Councilor Nestor Gines, Ordinance 2014-02 mandates business establishments with a minimum capitalization of P200,000 to set up CCTV cameras in their respective areas.

Aurora Vice Gov. Rommel Rico Angara said the installation of CCTV cameras is seen as a deterrent to crime and in its solution. “Even the provincial police director has guaranteed it will help boost the crime-busting effort,” he said, referring to Senior Superintendent Elmer Bantog.

The ordinance applies to banks, gasoline stations, bus terminals, Internet cafes, hotels, hardware stores, restaurants, groceries, pawnshops and other similar establishments handling financial transactions such as money transfer and payment centers.

Failure to install the required CCTV cameras would merit a penalty of warning on first offense, a fine of P1,500 on second offense and P2,500 for a third offense.