Mayor urges traders to install security cameras

March 18, 2011

ANGELES CITY — Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan has urged business establishment owners in the city to implement the ordinance requiring all banks, money changers, pawnshops, malls, supermarkets, and others to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras.
“This must be done right now to prevent cases of robbery or theft and other similar criminal offenses in their businesses,” Pamintuan said.
The mayor issued this directive in the wake of robberies in the city over the past weeks.
The most recent incident took place at a spa and health clinic in Barangay Balibago where almost P800,000 worth of cash and valuables were carted away by four unidentified armed men.
Studies made by the City Government and police have proven that CCTV cameras are essential tools not only in preventing crimes but also in solving criminal cases.
“A number of police cases in Angeles City had been solved with the help of CCTVs,” Pamintuan added.
Last year, the suspect in a robbery incident inside a poker club along Friendship Highway has been identified through a CCTV recording.
“The alleged serial killer, Mark Dizon, was also seen in CCTV when he pawned some items which are believed to be owned by his victims,” the mayor said.
Ordinance 175, Series of 2005 requires money changers and pawnshops, and similar establishments with capitalization of more than P500,000 to install monitors.
Business establishments that fail to comply with the ordinance will not be issued business and mayor’s permits, Pamintuan said.

Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2011/03/18/mayor-urges-traders-install-security-cameras-145466