Motorists, beware: The MMDA has its ‘eyes’ on you

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino

Even in the absence of its traffic enforcers, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will still be able to keep tabs on motorists, including criminals, with its “electronic eyes.”

An additional 100 brand-new high-definition closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras that had been installed on major thoroughfares in the metropolis will start operating Monday as part of the MMDA’s move to boost its traffic management and monitoring system.

Boasting directional and zoom control with fixed, pan, tilt and zoom or PTZ capabilities, the cameras are also equipped with the latest video analytics software that can send an alert to authorities in case of emergencies, allowing them to respond at once.

“The installation of these CCTV cameras will provide wider monitoring coverage and further advance the agency’s quick dispatch, rapid response and better coordination particularly during critical situations,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said Sunday.

Of the 100 additional cameras, 18 were installed on Commonwealth Avenue, 56 on Edsa  from Monumento to Taft Avenue, 14 on Aurora Boulevard  from Recto to Santolan, eight on España Boulevard and four on Quezon Avenue.

The new wireless communication system will be manned by the MMDA Communications and Command Center which has control over Metrobase or the Operations and Control Monitoring Group. It will be the one in charge of coordinating with concerned agencies on retrieving and disseminating the data collected by the CCTVs.

Tolentino said officials of the Philippine National Police, Department of Justice and Bureau of Immigration—the agencies which would also benefit from the new CCTV cameras—had been invited to today’s launching.

The new CCTVs can detect speed, classify vehicles and capture plate numbers. They also have counting and face recognition capabilities.

“With the deployment of these surveillance cameras, Metro Manila’s security environment is now enhanced. Other government agencies and law enforcers will be able to respond immediately through the use of this effective wireless communication throughout the metropolis,” Tolentino said.