PNP installs 300 CCTV cameras all over Metro

Expect more “safe zones” in Metro Manila as the Philippine National Police (PNP) installs and activates at least 300 security cameras in crime-prone areas, including the university belt in time for the school opening in June.

The target areas installed with closed circuit televisions (CCTV) include Monumento, Makati City, Mandaluyong City, Pasig City, Baclaran-Pasay, Taguig City, Ermita, Edsa-West Avenue, Quirino Highway, Commonwealth Avenue, East Avenue, Sampaloc and Tondo, Manila, the university belt and Pasay-Taft where busy streets and roads are identified.

Deputy Director Gen. Leonardo Espina, PNP officer in charge, said on Wednesday the public could expect a “fair and just” investigation on any crimes that might happen in the said areas as these were being captured on security cameras.

“This will serve as a warning to individuals and groups who have criminal intent because they are being watched behind these CCTVs,” Espina said in a statement.

The installation of the CCTV cameras all over the metro is under the project called “Metro Hawk Eye.” He said the project was implemented upon the orders of Interior Secretary Mar Roxas.

● Cops to secure U-Belt through CCTV system

To jumpstart the project, personnel of the PNP directorate for information and communications technology management placed 16 strategically-located CCTV units in the corners of Pasay-Taft.

CCTV cameras were also installed around the University of Santo Tomas, Far Eastern University and within the Bustillos area near the Light Rail Transit Legarda station as the enrollment season started in Manila schools and universities.

This installation enables the PNP to deter unacceptable behavior, ensure security and safety of individuals transacting within PNP premises and curb unscrupulous activities among personnel, as well as to closely monitor and record all walk-in complainants in PNP premises.

With CCTV units scattered all over Metro Manila, Espina said identifying criminals—a good starting point for police investigators—would be much easier.