Firms told: Invest on CCTV, guards

CEBU, Philippines - Industry stakeholders advised business owners to invest on traditional and advanced security facilities such as security guards and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to protect their establishments from unlawful elements.

Security and Systems Monitoring, Inc. (SSMi) General Manager Leonardo Sylianco Jr. said that businesses should consider maximizing the security technology that is available and affordable in the market at present.

SSMi is a security and alarm monitoring company that is committed to contribute to the reduction of burglary and fire incidence in the community.

Sylianco said that it is sad to note that most business players have not acknowledged the value of security systems yet, believing that these will cost them a higher investment.

“Most people call us only after an incident like a fire or break-in, wherein damages or losses has been incurred. We are very much behind in taking advantage of the technology,” he told The FREEMAN.

He explained that the SSMi’s monitored security alarm systems detect intrusion and fire in its early stage.  Intrusion and fire sensors are installed and once the motion detector triggers the alarm system.

A siren will be heard in the premises while alarm signals will be transmitted to the SSMI’s 24/7-operational central monitoring station at almost the same time.

Upon verification, the security company shall notify the subscribers, dispatchers, and authorities to act on an immediate response in saving lives and value of properties.

In the security system, a CCTV camera is being used for monitoring, recording and playback of incidents. Sylianco, however, said that the security amenity is reactive since the recorded files are reviewed only after the incident took place.

Last year, SSMi reached up to 100 prevented cases. Sylianco said that they record an annual average of 60 real-intrusion attempts and fire alarms for the past six years. He added that their false alarm rate is also minimal.

He further pointed out that the burglar intrusion and fire alarm system complements with the human security work, citing the importance of having security guards in establishments during both business and non-business hours.

Philippine Society for Industrial Security vice president, Atty. Michelle Mendez-Palmares, also raised the need of establishments particularly financial institutions to have security guards deployed in their areas.

She pointed out that one of the lapses during the recent robbery incidents in Cebu City is the lack of security guards despite the establishments having CCTV cameras installed.

“It is an opportunity for a perpetrator to go inside your establishment since no one is guarding your area,” she said.

She added that a business owner should make sure to hire licensed guards who are professionally-trained what to do in ensuring security.

She cited the possibility that there are persons who will pretend to be guards but actually have hidden motive to conduct an inside-job crime.

She said that they also advise business organizations to encourage their members to implement property security measures to deter crime occurrence.  

To prepare themselves against unscrupulous individuals, Palmares recommended businesses to apply an integrated security system protection that includes CCTV cameras, sensors, alarm panels, and security guards.

She also said that employees themselves should also be cautious, too. She added that business owners should also seek the assistance from certified security professionals for a security assessment and survey to determine what needs to be done in the establishment.

Palmares cited that there are 30,000 security guards among the 99 Cebu-based security agencies and 62 non-based members in Region 7.  (FREEMAN)