More CCTV Cameras in Place vs. Laglag Bala — Airport Execs
The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) would have more Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras for all airports in the country.
The cameras, which are part of the 2012 procurement budget, will be installed at the initial and final baggage checkpoints as part of efforts to curtail laglag-bala incidents or the modus wherein bullets are dropped into bags by unscrupulous individuals as part of an extortion scheme.
Office for Transportation Security (OTS) Administrator Roland Recomono said the new cameras will augment existing CCTV cameras, some of which are in the process of re-calibration for use of airport security.
Laglag bala incidents were prevalent last year, which prompted legislators to hold public hearings as part of efforts to implement appropriate safeguards for passengers, particularly overseas Filipino workers.
Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) General Manager Angel Honrado said augmentation of CCTV cameras would’ve begun earlier had it not been for a temporary restraining order.
“Ang na-TRO, yung enhancement ng CCTV, the 700 cameras. Gusto namin- nag-umpisa kami 2014, kaya lang TRO sa korte, wala kaming magagawa,” Honrado said.
Honrado also clarified that footage from these cameras may only be obtained by police, the court, or victims of alleged violations of Republic Act No. 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.
“For public hearing, the request must come either from the court or the law enforcement agencies for the purpose of investigation,” Honrado said. — Rie Takumi, BAP, GMA News