THE Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) offers camera installation assistance for churches and other religious groups in Davao City who wish to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in their establishments.
PSSCC head Angel Sumagaysay said that while his office had not issued any recommendation that churches should install CCTVs in their areas, he said installing monitoring cameras in churches would help monitor and check the safety of the churchgoers, especially now that December is approaching.
He said some churches already installed CCTVs in their establishments.
He added San Pedro Cathedral will be under tight security measures as it is a part of the “maximum security zone”.
Under the maximum security zone, the “no jacket” and the “no backpack” policies will be strictly implemented within the areas of San Pedro Square, which includes San Pedro Cathedral.
He said the said church has also been included in PSSCC’s security measures as some events of the annual Pasko Fiesta will be held there.
Davao City Police Office (DCPO) director Kirby John Kraft, meanwhile, said they will implement a “One Entry, One Exit” policy, wherein all church gates will only open one gate for entrance and exit. But he said the gates will be opened after the activities.
In April, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio recently sent a letter to the Archdiocese of Davao to request for the installation of CCTV cameras inside and outside the parishes, according to former PSSCC head Benito De Leon.
The city has been strictly implementing security measures in places of worship following the twin blasts at the Jolo Cathedral last January 27, 2019, which killed 22 law enforcers and civilians. Over 100 people were also hurt.
A week after the bombing, Duterte-Carpio ordered the banning of backpacks, big bags, and bulky plastic bags inside all churches and other places of worship.RGL