Police eye mandatory CCTV system in all shops

THE Philippine National Police (PNP) is proposing to require all business establishments in the country to have their own video security systems in order to combat crimes.

The PNP seeks to adopt the ordinances of some local government units (LGUs) wherein the installation of closed-circuit television security systems is a requirement for the issuance of business permits to establishment owners.

"This is just a small investment on the part of business operators that will eventually translate into higher returns as losses due to crime are diminished," said Police Director General Nicanor Bartolome, PNP chief.

"After all, it makes better business sense to invest in security than take the risk," added Bartolome, who will formally propose the idea to Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II.

Bartolome also said he will convince the National Peace and Order Council to adopt the proposal for nationwide implementation.

The CCTV security systems, as a crime deterrent measure, will intensify the certainty of arrest and punishment of criminals, according to Chief Superintendent Generoso Cerbo Jr., PNP spokesman.

He noted that some LGUs that already adopted the idea of mandatory CCTV system installation have "experienced improved peace and order situations." (Emmanuel Louis Bacani/Sunnex)