QC to require establishments near waterways to install CCTV cameras

MANILA, Philippines - The Quezon City government said it will now require business establishments located near rivers to install closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to assist the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in monitoring the water level in these danger zones.

Mayor Herbert Bautista said they are targeting factories and piggeries near and along riverbanks and creeks. He asked Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) chief Pacifico Maghacot to order these establishments to immediately install the CCTV cameras in their premises to be able to renew their business permits.

Starting next year, the city government will strictly implement a “no CCTV, no business permit” policy in line with the city’s peace and order campaign, particularly against carjacking and kidnapping.

“The CCTV will not only be used... against lawlessness but also as a safety measure against disasters that might come, particularly this rainy season,” Bautista said.

At the same time, the mayor will soon ask the city’s 142 barangays to also set up CCTV cameras using their disaster fund once the Department of the Interior and Local Government has given the green light.