Top cop supports nationwide implementation of CCTV camera

BACOLOD City Police Office (BCPO) Director Senior Superintendent Ricardo Dela Paz on Thursday showed his support to the proposal of PNP Chief Nicanor Bartolome requiring all business establishments in the country to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) security system.

De la Paz said BCPO is in favor of putting up CCTV cameras in different business establishments to help in solving crimes.

In Bartolome’s message sent to Sun.Star Bacolod, he said the PNP is seeking to widen the coverage video security system in all business establishments in the country, as a crime deterrent measure.

It is one of the proposals which he will present to Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas before the National Peace and Order Council (NPOC) when the body convenes on its next regular meeting.

Bartolome said the proposal seeks to replicate and expand local ordinances adopted by some local government units requiring business establishments to install CCTV security system as a requirement for issuance of business permit.

He said this is just a small investment on the part of business operators that will eventually translate to higher returns as losses, due to crime are diminished.

“After all, it makes better business sense to invest on the security than to take the risk,” he added.

He said that he will convince the NPOC to adopt the measure for nationwide implementation by all LGUs in the country.

De la Paz also said the city government has already passed a local ordinance requiring business establishments to put up of CCTV cameras, especially those who operate 24/7 such as drug stores, lending company and pawnshops.

He added the CCTV is a big help in solving the crime to identify the suspects.

He cited that several crimes incidents in Bacolod City were solved through the help CCTV camera such as the robbery-hold up of Central Negros Electric Cooperative where the suspects were identified through the CCTV camera.

The city director also appealed to the business community and private sector to install a CCTV camera within their business establishment to help the city police in case of any untoward incidents. (MAP)