City gov’t mulls security cameras for South Road Properties, streets

By Jully Venus Cuizon, Correspondent

DESPITE the likelihood of being labelled as copycats, Cebu City officials are considering to install security cameras in some city streets and the South Road Properties (SRP).

In a text message to , Cebu City Mayor-on-leave Tomas Osmeña said he doesn't mind if they were accused of imitating Capitol's program of installing security cameras so long as it aids in ensuring security within the City Hall premises.



"Copying is not an issue as long as it helps the security, is reliable and not overpriced,” the mayor said.

City Administrator Francisco Fernandez also echoed his boss's sentiments, saying “imitation is the greatest form of flattery."

The city government recently installed security cameras at the City Hall executive building for security purposes and to monitor the movement of employees.

Not a few supported the move, saying this would prevent theft within the premises.

City Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias said security personnel stationed at the command center can monitor who among the employees are slacking off and report them to the Human Resources Office.

Cabarrubias, who chairs the committee on information and technology, said the office can then recommend the sanctions to be imposed on the erring workers.

"We want our employees to feel that they are being watched if they are serving are public well," he said.

He said guards stationed at the command center will also be told to coordinate with the security personnel assigned at City Hall for monitoring any suspicious activities. Cabarrubias said they still have to train the security officers.

"The recording of the videos from the security cameras is 24 hours and even if there are brownouts, they are still recording because it has a generator of its own,” he said.

Cabarrubias said the software for the cameras can send alarms to the security personnel at the command center.

He confirmed that plans are underway to install security cameras at the street intersections and the SRP.

For his part City Planner Paul Nigel Villarete said the presence of security cameras is intended to ensure good governance and does not violate privacy.

"If security cameras are placed in public areas, then that's a public function. Why would anybody feel violated when you are in a public place, unless there's something to hide?," he said.

SRP Chief Operations Officer Nagiel Banacia said he hopes that only fully trained persons be tapped to run the command center.

He said security cameras can be placed at the perimeter fence and on the streets of the SRP.

At the SRP area alone, about 25 armed security personnel and three partrol cars patrol the property for 24 hours.

“If this will be implemented, security will be strengthened, it would make our jobs easier, less costly," he said.