Marikina City banks equipped with CCTV - local exec

MANILA, Philippines - Marikina City on Thursday reported a 100 percent compliance of their banks to the order to install close circuit television (CCTV) cameras within their premises to prevent the commission of crimes, particularly robbery. Records show that of all the financial institutions in Marikina, banks have complied 100 percent with the ordinance; pawnshops, 87 percent; money changers, 78 percent; and lending firms, 38 percent. This, as the local government of Marikina is set to form a composite team tasked to monitor the implementation of the ordinance for financial institutions in the city to install CCTV cameras, video monitoring devices, and similar equipment. In a statement, Sonny Ramos, chief of the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), said the move is designed to achieve 100 percent compliance with the provisions of a city ordinance. The team, to be composed of members of PNP-Marikina, Office of Public Safety and Security, and BPLO, will inspect financial institutions and strictly require them to equip their premises with video monitoring devices. Ramos said violators face non-renewal of their business permits and a fine of P5,000. “Their operations will also be suspended until they comply with the mandated security measures,” he said. Marikina City Mayor Marides Fernando said the installation of CCTV cameras would enable the local police to protect financial firms and their employees and customers by closely monitoring activities inside and around the vicinity of their facilities. "The installation of the cameras will help the police in their investigation and identification of robbers as their movements will be recorded," Fernando said. Meanwhile, PNP-Marikina headed by Supt. Sotero Ramos Jr is conducting a series of seminars as part of its information campaign. He said criminals are becoming increasingly sophisticated in pulling off crimes in banks and other financial firms. “Education is one of the best tools for combating crime. Having the proper knowledge greatly helps in being a step ahead of criminals,” he said. - GMANews.TV