Establishments urged anew to put up CCTV cameras

CITY Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya is again urging the business sector in Cagayan de Oro to put up closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their establishments.

Nacaya issued the call after three unidentified suspects robbed Richfield Agricultural Supply in Lapasan last Saturday and carted away cash and checks amounting to P3.7 million.

The establishment is owned by City Councilor Annie Daba.

Nacaya said the suspects were able to get away since the CCTV installed inside the establishment is not functioning.

He also said no security guard was available during the incident.

“The CCTV could have been a big factor to help identify the suspects and speed up the investigation. Let us not wait for another incident like this to happen. Let us be vigilant and help ourselves in providing protective measures for our own safety and not just completely rely on other people. Our police officials may be our watchdogs and help keep peace and order but their duties are limited so let us also do our part,” Nacaya said.

Around 5 p.m. on Saturday, two of the three suspects went inside the establishment and pretended to be customers. They later declared a holdup.

Police said one of the suspects went to the second floor where Daba holds office and where the money was also kept.

At gunpoint, the suspect ordered Daba to took off her jewelry worth P80,000.

The suspects fled after the incident.

Police believed that the suspects have an “informant,” probably a worker, inside the establishment, according to Police Chief Inspector Lemuel Gonda, chief for Operations of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office.

“We believed that the suspects have an informant inside because they know that the money was kept upstairs and during investigation, there are inconsistencies in the statement of one of the workers,” Gonda said.

Police were able to identify the suspects based on the cartographic sketch of witnesses.

Gonda said the identity of the suspects might have immediately been known had the establishment’s CCTV camera is functioning.

Nacaya added that having a CCTV camera and hiring security guards are measures that establishments should consider for their safety.

“Our city is getting progressive and most criminals from other cities are eyeing our city so let us be vigilant,” he said.

Last year, Councilor Ramon Tabor has already proposed an ordinance requiring the installation of CCTV cameras before an establishment is given a business permit.

Tabor said a “no CCTV, no permit” policy will strengthen the city’s peace and order campaign and make it easier for local enforcers to immediately solve crimes.

The ordinance mandates the installation of CCTVs or video surveillance system in the premises of private establishments and public places that are considered “high-risk” such as gasoline stations, banks and department stores. (With reports from Stephanie Berganio)