The Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) is urging the City Council to consider adopting high-definition CCTV systems with facial recognition features in business establishments to improve crime investigation and suspect identification.
MCPO City Director Police Colonel Cirilo Acosta Jr. said clearer and more advanced surveillance footage would significantly help authorities in identifying and tracking persons of interest during criminal investigations.
He also stressed the need to streamline access to CCTV footage, noting that delays in obtaining recordings from establishments often slow down police response and case resolution.
Acosta said the proposal follows directives from Police Regional Office 7 Director Police Brigadier General Arnold Evangelista Abad, who encouraged the MCPO to seek support from the City Council.
He added that Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano has also backed efforts to modernize public safety systems in the city.
Acosta said amendments may be needed to the city’s existing CCTV ordinance to accommodate new technologies.
“Atong ordinansa, I think kinahanglan na i-modify. Ang suggestion sa atong regional director is to introduce new technology,” Acosta said.
He added that facial recognition technology could help authorities quickly identify individuals entering and exiting establishments, especially in cases involving criminal suspects.
“For example kanang facial recognition, dapat ma introduce na so that dali na ta makaila kung kinsa na toy mga nisud, kinsa to atong mga persons of interest kung naa may crime na mahitabo,” he said.
Acosta also raised concerns over delays in accessing surveillance footage, saying faster release of recordings is crucial in time-sensitive investigations.
“Unta mapadali ang access sa atong kapulisan with respect to criminal investigation, time is of the essence man pag naay crime na mahitabo, para ma solve dayon ang crime,” he said.
He noted that some establishments still require additional documentation before releasing CCTV footage, which can interrupt investigative timelines.
“So kung muagi sa kalsada ang personalities… unya dili sila musugot, maputol ang atong pag trace, then that is a problem,” he added.
The proposal was presented to the City Council as part of broader efforts to strengthen crime prevention and investigative capacity in Mandaue City.
Councilor Joel Seno, chair of the Committee on Laws and Ordinances, said the city’s existing CCTV ordinance is currently under review for possible amendments.
He said the current regulation already meets basic requirements but acknowledged the need to adopt more advanced systems.
“Usahay naay ipang install nga CCTVs nga di maklaro ang nawng and even plate numbers,” Seno said.
He added that the council will evaluate possible updates to ensure better enforcement and improved surveillance standards in the city.
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