CCTVs imposed on Bontoc establishments

By Alpine L. Killa

BONTOC, Mountain Province – The Sangguniang Bayan has passed an ordinance mandating certain business establishments in this capital town to install closed circuit television (CCTV) system in their vicinities.

Sponsored by Sangguniang Bayan member Jerome Tudlong, Jr., the legislative body passed Ordinance No. 314, s.2019 recognizing that CCTV are among the most effective tools in crime deterrence, prevention, detection and solution since there is a video recording which can be used in addition to the testimonies of witnesses. This has been proven by the law enforcement.

Also, the ordinance aims to intensify the municipality’s drive to deter, prevent, detect, and solve criminality, and to preserve video recording as evidence.

The identified business establishments mandated to put-up CCTV system are banks, financial institutions, pawnshops, money remittance services, and money changers; business establishments that are part of the national chains or have several branches in other parts of the country, such as restaurants/ fast food chains , 24- hour convenience stores, and drug stores; shopping malls, shopping centers, supermarket, movie houses, theaters, hospitals and medical facilities, public transport terminals, places of entertainment, and the like which draw a considerable number of costumers; and car dealerships, and gasoline/fuel refilling/ service stations.

All the mandated business establishments are require to install CCTVs  in the interior establishments covering all entrances and exits; and at the center of business activity in the establishments including the tellers, cashiers, cash registrar, sales counter, or areas leading to the vault/safe.

Also, CCTVs must be put-up in the exterior establishments if it is not located inside a mall or building which has its own exterior camera. The CCTV system must capture all entrance and exits, from the entrances/ exits, a clear view of the area to and from the street adjoining  and including the frontage; and parking lots and drive-through lanes, when applicable.

The CCTV shall be maintained in proper working at all times, shall be in continuous operation, and shall meet the minimum technical specifications as stipulated in the ordinance.

The owner of the business establishment is required to preserve the camera recording for at least 72 hours, or such period as the Bontoc Local Government Unit (LGU) deems proper.

Business establishments covered by the ordinance shall have until next calendar year to comply.