For pawnshops, jewelry stores in Cebu City: Enhanced security to be mandatory —

CEBU, Philippines —  Pawnshops and jewelry stores in Cebu City will soon be mandated to enhance their security measures under a proposed ordinance aimed at reducing their susceptibility to robbery.

The ordinance, authored by Councilor Philip Zafra, chairman of the Committee on Peace and Order, seeks to ensure stricter security protocols for these establishments. Business owners who fail to comply may face consequences, including the revocation of their business permits.

A public hearing is scheduled next week to gather input from various sectors regarding the proposed legislation, officially titled “An Ordinance Strengthening the Security Measures of Pawnshops and Jewelry Stores and Other Similar Business Entities Operating in the City of Cebu and Mandating its Compliance as a Prerequisite to Issuance or Renewal of Business Permits.”

In an interview with The Freeman, Zafra revealed that the ordinance was recommended by the Cebu City Police Office, which underscored the necessity of specific mandates for pawnshops and jewelry stores. According to him, these businesses operate similarly to banks and must ensure the safety of their valuables.

“Ato man gung nakita nga ang mga pawnshops during that time and even karon nga, usahay gani ang uban walay security guard,” Zafra stated, pointing out that some establishments lack even basic security personnel.

He also noted that while some pawnshops have installed CCTV cameras, many do not have dedicated operators to monitor the surveillance footage. Additionally, some cameras are substandard, with low-resolution feeds that fail to meet security requirements.

Zafra emphasized that security measures in some establishments appear to be in place merely for compliance purposes, leaving them vulnerable to criminal activities. The ordinance, he said, lays out specific security requirements that owners must follow, in line with a Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) memorandum directing local government units (LGUs) to enforce such measures.

The proposed ordinance also outlines penalties for non-compliance. Establishments that fail to adhere to the security mandates will initially receive warnings, but continued violations will result in fines of up to P5,000 after the third offense. More significantly, non-compliant businesses will face the risk of non-renewal of permits, while new applicants who refuse to comply may be denied a permit altogether.

“Gamay raman kaayo ang fine nga gi-allow sa Local Government Code, only a maximum of P5,000. Mao na na siyay pinakadako... I am more inclined nga ari ta sa administrative aspect,” Zafra explained.

The councilor clarified that the ordinance is not intended to penalize pawnshop and jewelry store owners but rather to assist them in improving security measures. He stressed that the proposal is the result of extensive consultations with business owners, CCPO, and a thorough assessment of current security conditions.

He also highlighted that the ordinance was formulated in response to a series of broad daylight robberies in the city. One notable incident occurred on August 8, 2024, when Macy’s Jewelry Store and DGC DGold and Chain Jewelries on Calderon Street in Barangay Ermita were robbed at around 11 a.m.

“I am hoping makatabang gyud ni sya, and ang pinaka importante makuha gyud nato ang support ug cooperation sa strong pawnshop and jewelry store owners,” said Zafra.