An estimated amount of P500,000 has been earmarked by the city government for the installation of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in barangays across Tagbilaran City.

The mounting of the surveillance devices in city barangays is intended to curb house break-ins and robbery cases, among other crimes, said Mayor John Geesnell Yap in the recent meeting of the City Peace and Order Council.

Through the CCTVs, footage of crimes would be recorded and suspects would easily be identified, Yap said.

Currently, only Poblacion 3 has been installed with the devices.

Acocrding to the official, a total of 26 CCTVs have been mounted in the barangay’s streets to monitor the area.

City police chief, Supt. George Vale had previously suggested that CCTV cameras should be installed all over the city particularly outside business establishments which are likely to be victimized by burglars.

Vale admitted that the city police has been encountering difficulties in identifying some suspects due to lack of witnesses to the burglaries and CCTV cameras in the burgled buildings and the city streets.

While CCTV cameras would greatly help in the city’s anti-crime drive, officials are also intending to use the devices to monitor traffic. (with reports from Allen Doydora)