MMDA eyes cheaper way of monitoring Metro

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino is looking into the feasibility of a linkup between the agency and the closed circuit television (CCTV) camera systems of local governments to improve traffic management.

In a radio interview, Tolentino said that a hookup would be cheaper considering that all of the local government units in the metropolis have their own CCTV network in place.

“If we link up the cameras of local government units, even with some privately owned CCTVs, we at the MMDA could have a comprehensive view of Metro Manila streets,” he added.

While the MMDA can put up its own network of cameras, embarking on such a project will be every expensive, according to Tolentino. It will be more practical for the agency to tap other CCTV networks, especially since these are already in place.

Should the local government units be amenable to the proposal, the link will be formalized through a memorandum of agreement with the agency, the MMDA chairman explained.

With a wider view of the capital as seen on cameras, the MMDA can efficiently deploy its personnel when traffic is heavy or in cases of flooding. The network can likewise assist the police in patrolling the streets.

Tolentino recalled that the incident involving a Customs employee who beat up a student in the street was caught on camera and with the MMDA’s assistance, authorities identified the latter as Paulino Elevano.

Tolentino said he got the idea of linking up CCTV cameras from Seoul during a recent visit. The bustling South Korean capital has 7,000 cameras spread across its metropolitan district alone.