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Navotas requires business establishments to have surveillance cameras
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Mar 12, 2010 - 9:25:02 AM

MANILA, March 13 (PNA) -- Business establishments in Navotas such as banks, pawnshops, money exchange shops, convenience stores, major drugstores, internet shops and cafes, gasoline stations, bills payment centers and grocery stores have until next May to comply with a local ordinance requiring the installation of video surveillance and monitoring systems in the immediate vicinity of their business offices

Mayor Tobias "Toby" Tiangco said the order is in compliance with City Ordinance No. 2009-08.

“With the use of video monitoring devices, police and investigators will have an easier time identifying the perpetrators of these robbery-hold ups and other illegal activities,” Tiangco said.

“Crimes of this nature could somehow be prevented and deterred when appropriate monitoring devices are installed in the business/commercial establishments”, the mayor added.

The ordinance also stated that by installing the said devices it is for the advantage of the business sector, making it easy for the police to monitor on-going events and for the recordings to serve as an aid for investigators to know how the crime was committed and help identify, capture and prosecute criminals.

Non-compliance with the ordinance is punishable with a fine of P5,000 or six-month imprisonment, or both at the discretion of the court.

If any erring business establishment refuses to pay the imposed fines within 15 calendar days from receipt of the violation notice or citation ticket, business permit and license to operate shall be suspended until the penalty is settled and requirements have been met.

The business establishment will be allowed to resume operation after the installation of all the requirements and upon the recommendation of the chief of police or the business permit and licensing officer.

Tiangco asked the business firms to start installing the monitoring devices before the deadline.

“The cost of putting up a video surveillance and monitoring system is minimal compared to the protection it will give both the establishment and its customers,” Tiangco said. (PNA)
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