Mandaluyong revises CCTV policy for traders

Starting this year, all businesses in Mandaluyong City with a gross income or capital of P1 million or more will be required to install security cameras and security systems within their premises in line with the city government’s bid to deter crime and trace wrongdoers more easily.

The Mandaluyong City Council has enacted Ordinance 526, Series of 2013 which requires all traders to put up a security system, including closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, in their shops.

The ordinance enacted by the council on Nov. 15 and approved by Mandaluyong Mayor Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. on Nov. 21 extended the scope of a 2009 legislation that required just banks to install security systems within their branches.

The ordinance noted that crimes have happened not just in banks in the past few months  but also in malls such as the heist in SM Megamall earlier last year which means that security systems are needed in all other business establishments.

“Many more crimes against person and property such as robberies, holdups, burglaries, snatching and sometimes rape, are being committed not necessarily in banking institutions and their environs but more often in other business establishments as well such as shopping malls, restaurants, hotels and motels, supermarkets and gasoline stations,” the ordinance read.

Covered by the new ordinance are all business establishments operating within the city with a capital or gross income of P1 million or more.

“The CCTV or video surveillance system must be capable of delineating on playback the activity and physical features of individuals and areas within the premises and must be able to record such images on digital, optical or magnetic media,” the ordinance required, noting that the security systems must also comply with certain technical specifications imposed by the Department of the Interior and Local Government.

It also detailed locations where security cameras must be installed such as parking areas, entrances and exits, hallways, stairwells, toilets, elevators, shops and other areas.

Violators can have their business permits revoked or suspended on top of a P5,000 fine and up to six months in jail.