PNP wants cameras in all shops

Philippine National Police chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome. INQUIRER.net FILE PHOTO

The Philippine National Police (PNP) wants CCTV security systems mandatory in all shops nationwide as a deterrent to crime.

PNP Chief Director General Nicanor Bartolome said in a statement that he would propose the measure to Interior Secretary Mar Roxas when the National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) convenes on its next meeting, and convince the council to adopt the measure for a nationwide implementation by all local government units (LGUs).

The PNP seeks to replicate nationwide local government ordinances that include CCTVs as one of the requirements for establishments before they are given business licenses and permits to operate.

Bartolome said that a “small investment” such as the installation of CCTVs would benefit business operators as crimes would be “diminished.”

“After all, it makes better business sense to invest on security than take the risk,” Bartolome said.

PNP spokesperson Chief Supt. Generoso Cerbo Jr. said that CCTVs “amplify the certainty of arrest and punishment of criminal offenders, thus, increasing its crime deterrent effect.”

Cerbo added that LGUs that require its business establishments to install CCTV security systems now have better “peace and order situations.”