Hearing on guards at ATM sites measure set on Sept. 3

CEBU, Philippines - Hearing of a proposed Cebu City Council measure penalizing banks that do not station security guards at Automated Teller Machines  has been set Wednesday next week.

The Philippine National Police and Philippine Bankers Association-Cebu Chapter and the public were requested to join council members in the public hearing to give their inputs.

City Councilor Noel Eleuterio Wenceslao has proposed “An ordinance requiring any person operating automated teller machine within Cebu City to assign security guard/personnel in ATM sites, and providing penalties for violations thereof.”

Wenceslao defined ATM as an electronic device that provides bank customers an alternative method of doing their financial transactions in a public area without the assistance of a human clerk.

He said that because of easy access transacting through ATM is very popular, especially with the increasing number of ATM sites.

Wenceslao, however, said this also resulted to ATM-related crimes like robbery and ATM fraud.

“The presence of security guard or security personnel is helpful in the prevention and deterrence of crime; thus, assigning security guard or security personnel in areas where ATM’s are situated would promote protection of life and property,” he said.

He also said that the presence of security guards at ATM sites, which are strategically situated, would also help maintain peace and order in the city.

The proposed ordinance would apply to all ATM situated in banks and remote locations other than banks, such as but not limited to department stores and convenience stores within the city.

If approved, violators shall be penalized for the first, second, and third offense P2, 000; P4, 000 and P5, 000, respectively.

The City Treasurer’s Office and the Cebu City Peace and Order Council would draft the implementing rules and regulations should the proposed measure be approved. (FREEMAN)