CHR supports PNP CCTV project in Metro Manila

The Commission on Human Rights on Thursday expressed support to the closed-circuit television (CCTV) project of the Philippine National Police in Metro Manila. Wilhelm Soriano, CHR-National Capital Region director, allayed fears of the public that the 56 TV cameras placed strategically all over the capital will invade privacy of the ordinary citizens. "My presence here as commissioner in charge of the NCR is (a) clear manifestation that we are supporting this program," Soriano said. "This is not invasion to privacy because there is no complusion," he added. Soriano aired such remarks during the launching of the Security Camera Surveillance System of the NCRPO (National Capital Region Police Office) in Taguig City. Soriano said he recognizes the CCTV project as a deterrent to crimes. Last week, PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr said the CCTV cameras have been placed in different areas, mostly crime-prone, since the holding in the country of the Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Ministerial Meeting in August. "We have placed them in strategic places in Metro Manila and we are using them," Razon said. According to Razon, Makati City, Quezon City, Baclaran in Parañaque City, and Quiapo in Manila are among the areas where the elaborate surveillance network has been put in place. Razon said the main hub of the network is inside the PNP headquarters in Camp Crame, Quezon City. The police chief said they need more CCTV units as they can, and they are asking the private sector and the local government units to contribute as well. He noted that in London, the bombings there in July 2005 were solved through the help of video clips from CCTV cameras. - GMANews.TV