ILOILO – To prevent crimes as well as help hasten police investigation of crimes, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) is urging local government units in this province to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic locations.
On April 6, the SP unanimously approved a resolution introduced by SP member June Mondejar detailing the matter.
Mondejar, chairperson of the committee on public order and security, believed security cameras would be “a great help sa aton man Philippine National Police (PNP) and the public.”
In the resolution, Mondejar cited the two separate incidents in Barangay Bolong Oeste, Santa Barbara town just two months apart.
First was the ambush of the chief of the quality assurance section of the Department of Public Works and Highways’ Iloilo 4th District Engineering Office on Jan. 18.
Engineer Eva Bedonia, 54, of Hedriana Street, Pavia, Iloilo and her driver survived the attack.
She and Administrative Aide III Rogelio Serilo, 38, of Barangay Cabilauan, New Lucena were on their way to the 4th District Engineering Office when their service vehicle, a white pickup, was peppered with five bullets holes. The two were luckily unscathed.
Policemen of Santa Barbara said there were two motorcycle-riding assassins. They were wearing jackets, facemasks and helmets.
The other incident was a road rage that led to the death of an officer of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology on March 18.
Jail Senior Inspector Andrew Larupay, 51, of Barangay Caninguan, Lambunao, Iloilo, died of multiple gunshot wounds.
The suspects were Philippine Army’s Private First Class Bjourn Kirby Esposo, 26, of Barangay Malitbog Ilaya, Bingawan, Iloilo; and Staff Sergeant Nilo Sorolla, 40, of Barangay Binangkilan, Santa Barbara; and Nilo Silao, 47, of Magsaysay Street, Calinog, Iloilo and a member of the Citizens Armed Forces Geographical Unit.
Footages obtained from CCTV cameras helped the Santa Barbara police in the investigation, Mondejar said.
Where’s the best place to put security cameras?
In plazas, roads, public markets, and other crime-prone areas, Mondejar said.
“May mga banwa nga may ara na sang CCTV, may ara nga wala. So, gina-encourage ang mga banwa nga mag-install, tinguha-an nila,” he added.
The resolution was co-sponsored by Iloilo’s Vice Gov. Christine Garin, also a member of the provincial peace and order council./PN
