The Traffic and CCTV Synchronization System in General Santos City is now operational with over 200 CCTV cameras installed across the city.
According to the Public Safety Office (PSO), these cameras are part of the city’s program to modernize the traffic system, which was turned over to the operation center of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO).
The system consists of three types:
- PTZ (Pan-Tilt-Zoom) cameras that can rotate 360 degrees to capture all angles of an area. It has traffic sensors that detect vehicle and pedestrian volume at intersections
- CCTV cameras that can track vehicles involved in crimes or accidents by simply inputting their plate numbers into the system, which then triggers an alarm at the operation center
- CCTV cameras with facial recognition, which allows authorities to identify wanted persons as they pass
“Pag-alarm nyan itatapon natin ang information sa PNP or sa HPG, -input lang natin sa ating system ang mga muka nila mga pictures pag once na dumaan sila kung merong cctv mag aalarm din,” PSO Head, Atty. Jong Gonzales, said.
PSO reminded motorists to strictly follow traffic laws, noting that surveillance is active 24/7.
The city government is also set to implement a no contact apprehension policy, pending the approval of an ordinance.
“Di magtatagal mayron po tayong no contact apprehension, ibig sabihin na de-detect po kayo ng camera kung nag va-violate kayo,” Gonzalez added.
Some tricycle drivers expressed support for the system, saying it not only helps curb crime but also promotes safety for both passengers and drivers.
“Dili lang gyud dila para sa mga kriminal na sitwasyun para pud diay sa amo na mga driver, hinuon safety ni para sa mga pashero, safety pud sa mga driver na makalikay me sa violation,” tricycle driver, Ace Pecitas, said.
PSO added that CCTV footage may be viewed by the public for legitimate concerns such as traffic accidents, crime investigations, or missing persons, but copies cannot be released in compliance with the Data Privacy Act.
