CAGAYAN de Oro's central public market now have P2 million worth of closed circuit television (CCTVs) cameras installed within its premises to intensify security surveillance.
According to the City Economic Enterprises Department (Ceed), 48 CCTVs are installed around Cogon market. These are high-end because they can pan around the areas, tilt, and can zoom an object of up to one kilometer distance.
The cameras used were state-of-the-art fiber optic cables and will be operational next month.
City Ordinance 11074-2008 mandates not only private establishments, but government-owned buildings to install their own security cameras.
Cogon market is considered the busiest market in the city, and is likewise not spared from crimes. It was not disclosed yet as to when will other public markets in the city will also have CCTV installations.
In 2017, a traffic enforcer was shot dead while manning the traffic at the said market.
At present, the committee on public safety is working to amend the ordinance.
Councilor Romeo Calizo said the ordinance failed to cite specifications of the cameras.
He said the cameras should ensure a clear vision to accurately identify suspects of a crime.
Also, the Office of the Building Official wants that all private subdivisions in the city be required to install their own CCTV cameras preferably at their entrance and exit points.
Calizo also proposed that the police should be given authority to have immediate access to the CCTV footage.