NCAP cameras not spared from cable theft

BLIND SPOT These eight closed- circuit television (CCTV) cameras installed at a footbridge on the Guadalupe section of Edsa in Makati City were disabled after their fiber optic cables were stolen on June 20. — Photo by Niño Jesus Orbeta

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday said three suspects have been arrested for alleged theft of fiber optic cables from closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras being used for the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) at the Guadalupe footbridge in Makati City last week.

At a news briefing, Undersecretary Procopio Lipana, the MMDA general manager, said the Makati police identified the suspects as Vincent Montir, 28, a resident of Guadalupe Viejo, Makati; and Michael Teodosio Carolina Literal, both 20 years old and from Addition Hills, Mandaluyong City.

The suspects have undergone inquest proceedings and are detained at Makati police station, the MMDA official said.

The MMDA said the incident occurred on June 20 but the agency only discovered it on June 24 because the CCTV cameras mounted along the southbound side of footbridge began emitting a humming noise and were disconnected.

Investigation also revealed the suspects returned to the Guadalupe area on June 25 to steal more fiber optic cables but failed to notice the patrolling police officers at the overpass. Recovered from them were assorted cut-off electrical wiring and several cutting tools.

An MMDA camera in the Guadalupe area managed to capture a blurred image of one suspect on June 20. After the first theft, other MMDA CCTVs were later zoomed to the footbridge and caught the suspects in the act.

READ: MMDA eyes 1,200 more NCAP cameras to be installed by year-end

Sold to junkshops

Lipana said the stolen cable wires, with an estimated value of P104,000.00, were allegedly sold to several junkshops.

The MMDA official said one of the junkshops cooperated with the police and surrendered the cables sold by the suspects. These will later be used as evidence.

He warned those who attempt to tamper with public infrastructure would face charges. In case of stolen equipment, their buyers could be booked for fencing.

The MMDA is also considering the installation of protective barriers, such as metal grills around the CCTV cameras.

“We cannot totally eliminate the chance they will be stolen, but maybe we can lessen it. (The CCTVs) can’t be concealed,” he said.