DILG urges LGUs to install CCTV to prevent crimes

MANILA, Philippines—Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robrero urged all local government officials Tuesday to install closed circuit television technology (CCTV) cameras in their localities to help deter and solve crimes.

Robredo said the installation of security cameras in strategic places and at the heights free from human intervention “will support the peace and order initiatives of local governments, particularly cities and municipalities with high demographic concentration and robust economic activities.”

He said that local authorities should employ strategies and means to keep their communities crime free as mandated under the Local Government Code.

Robredo’s directive also said that the CCTV system has to be manned all throughout the day by at least five trained local government personnel.

He said that during his term as Naga City Mayor, the installation of CCTV equipment as well as the increased coordination among emergency service providers like the Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine National Police and the city’s Public Safety Office significantly improved the city’s peace and order situation.

Naga City Police District was choses as Model Police Office during PNP’s 19^th anniversary for its significant anti-crime gains with the help of surveillance cameras, he said.

Robredo also encouraged local officials to cause the enactment of, if none exists, or to amend, when necessary, an ordinance requiring the installation of CCTVs in business establishments.

He said several local government units have already passed ordinances requiring business to install CCTV equipment in Iloilo, Pasig, Mandaue, Muntinlupa, Iligan and Quezon.