ILOILO City – In response to a recent burglary at the Provincial Legal Office, the Iloilo provincial government is considering stricter security measures at the capitol, including a possible one entrance, one exit policy.
This plan of the General Services Office (GSO) aims to better control access to the premises, said Aaron Raymundo, head of the Safety and Security Personnel under the GSO.
“We plan to close a side door of the capitol because it also serves as a possible entry point,” he added.
On Monday, May 6, the Provincial Legal Office located on the third floor of the capitol was burglarized while employees were attending a flag-raising ceremony on the capitol grounds.
Having a single entry and exit point, according to Raymundo, “would enhance the effectiveness of our CCTV (closed circuit television) systems in capturing the faces of everyone entering and exiting the building. Should a similar incident occur, it would be easier to quickly identify any suspects.”
A review of Monday’s CCTV recording showed a suspect – wearing a facemask – entering the office shortly after 8 a.m. and remained inside for approximately five minutes.
According to Raymundo, the GSO is considering requiring all visitors to remove masks, hats, and sunglasses at the entrance to ensure clear identification via CCTV.
Despite the stricter controls, he acknowledged the necessity of maintaining access to the capitol due to the essential services it provides, such as assistance for burial and medication.
With the realization that such incidents are hard to completely prevent, the provincial government plans to increase the presence of security guards across all six floors of the capitol. “We might conduct roving patrols on all floors since not all areas are covered by CCTVs,” Raymundo added.
Regarding technological upgrades, Raymundo mentioned an ongoing request for new CCTV systems as the current ones are aging and losing efficiency.
He also highlighted measures to restrict vendor access to the capitol, except for those who have been issued identification cards and have their details on file.
The review of security protocols was ordered by Atty. Dennis Ventilacion, head of the Provincial Legal Office and acting Officer-in-Charge Governor, following the theft.
“We have instructions from Atty. Dennis to intensify our security measures,” Raymundo said.
Reflecting on the incident, Raymundo considers it a learning experience, noting that security personnel can sometimes become complacent, not fully anticipating criminal acts due to the presence of numerous guards and surveillance equipment.
As for the theft case, Raymundo revealed that they have identified the suspect, who is transgender and not a woman as initially believed. The case has been referred to the Iloilo City Police Station 1 for further action.
“We currently have a lead and a name, but as we are only in charge of security at the capitol, we lack authority outside and have thus referred the matter to the police,” he said.
The provincial government is prepared to provide documents and CCTV footage if the victim decides to pursue a case against the suspect./PN
