Security cameras installed in traffic areas, mayor’s office

ABOUT 20 closed circuit TV cameras (CCTV) were installed in major thoroughfares in Cebu City to monitor traffic flow and other activities in these areas.

Eugene Elizalde, chief of the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council (PCAC), said another 10 CCTVs were installed in the mayor’s office. They were fitted with motion sensors that can trigger an alarm system in case of unauthorized entry.

He said the outdoor CCTVs will record street incidents 24-hour a day and are capable of playback in case law enforcement agencies need footage for solving crimes.

The CCTVs, Elizalde said, are also equipped with uninterrupted power supply (UPS) components that will allow continued operations within a three minute period in case of a power interruption.

“Acquiring the CCTVs took three years.  We would are hoping to get more before the year ends,” Elizalde said during last Friday’s media briefing.

Elizalde showed reporters at least nine areas that had CCTVs.

One of them is placed at the corner of M. J. Cuenco and General Maxilom Avenues in Cebu City.

A second camera is placed along M.C. Briones Avenue in front of the City Hall executive building facing the senior citizens park.  A third camera is installed at the Fuente Osmeña circle.

Elizalde said PCAP member-agencies like the city police, fire department, traffic and disaster management offices pushed for at least 91 CCTVs in the city estimated to cost P200 million to P300 million.

But he said the city only acquired 30 CCTVs after the City Council approved P15 million of the PCAP’s budget request. The cameras were installed last month.

Elizalde said the CCTVs placed on top of the traffic lights or on electric posts were capable of a 360 degrees pan and tilt.

It can also be zoomed to identify suspects and the plate number of an erring vehicle driver.

The CCTVs could also help the city’s fire department identify less congested areas where fire trucks can pass through when responding to alarms.

The city’s CCTV system is powered by PLDT which has until May 10 to fine tune their system.

Its control room is at the Management Information Computer System (MICS) office on the fifth floor of the city hall executive building.

Since the CCTV control room is only manned from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Elizade said they’re giving Mayor Rama the password so he could access the system even when he’s outside City Hall. Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac