The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) has urged the City Council to amend the existing ordinance on closed-circuit television (CCTV). This move mandates businesses to install high-definition surveillance cameras with facial recognition capabilities to strengthen crime prevention and improve police investigations.
Proposed Amendments to Enhance Surveillance
Police Colonel Cirilo Acosta Jr., director of the MCPO, stated that the proposed amendments aim to modernize the city's surveillance system. These changes are intended to address recurring challenges faced by investigators when reviewing low-quality footage from private establishments.
Acosta explained that clearer and more advanced CCTV systems would significantly aid law enforcement agencies in identifying suspects, tracking incidents, and gathering evidence during investigations.
Goal of the Proposal
"The goal is to enhance public safety and make criminal investigations more efficient. Many cases could be resolved more quickly if authorities have access to high-quality video footage that clearly captures the identities of individuals involved," Acosta said.
Currently, the Mandaue City Council is reviewing the proposal. Lawmakers have begun examining the existing CCTV ordinance to determine what amendments are needed to strengthen its implementation.
Requirements for Businesses
Under the proposed changes, businesses across the city, especially large commercial establishments, will be required to upgrade their surveillance systems to high-definition cameras. These units must include facial recognition technology as part of their security infrastructure.
