Iloilo City’s CCTV Ordinance expanded to more high-risk areas
SEAPORTS, MOTELS, pension houses, drive-in hotels, and lodging houses, are now covered by the CCTV (closed circuit television) Ordinance of Iloilo City. The city council approved on July 18 the amendments to the ordinance to compel establishments in what are considered as more high-risk areas to install surveillance cameras. Councilor Ely A. Estante said these areas are susceptible to crimes and murders “because of the ease of access in obtaining a room and uncomplicated check-out scheme.” Mr. Estante proposed the amendment following the murder of a female by an older male companion at a lodge in Arevalo District last year. The court dismissed the city government’s case against the lodge owner due to “lack of coverage” of the CCTV law. The ordinance originally covers banks, including their satellite offices, ATM branches, and other financial institutions; hotels, malls supermarkets; gas stations; transport terminals; convenience stores; and private schools. — Louine Hope U. Conserva