Authorities have intensified patrol in Barangay Nalsian, Calasiao, Pangasinan after several closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras and solar lights were vandalized.
According to barangay officials, a group of men who roamed the area at night frequently destroyed the CCTV units and solar street lights.
"Sinusungkit nila [o] tirador – nababasag ang LED niya kasi nasisira. Mga walang magawa [o] mga may balak mang-snatch at magnakaw [ang gagawa niyan]," Ramil Bravo, a councilman, said.
No suspect has been apprehended yet, as of this writing.
The vandalism has reportedly affected the barangay's ability to monitor traffic flow on the national highway where the CCTV cameras were installed.
Some areas in Sitio Bacayao have become dark because of the damaged solar street lights, and there have been reports of theft.
"[Dati kasi] takot ang magnanakaw kapag maliwanag ang lugar kasi makikita sila, lahat ng bahay dito may CCTV na," Rick Dela Cruz, a resident, said.
In response, barangay watchmen have patrolled the barangay more frequently. The barangay council also plans to purchase additional CCTV cameras and solar lights.
"Sinabihan na rin natin [na] kung sinuman ang mahuhuli na manunungkit ng CCTV, talagang hindi namin sila bebe-behin, talagang ire-report namin sila if ever mahuli sila sa akto," Patrick Caramat, the barangay chairman, said.
