HAPPY ANNIVERSARY,
SJS BATCH 1994!
CCTV
A Modern Tool for Law
Enforcement
BY:
PLTCOL ANALYN B PINAGOD, Asst. Chief, RICTMD
Introduction
• CCTV is a critical tool in combating crime in urban
and rural areas
• It aids in tracking suspects and preventing crimes
• Example: 2019 incident in Cebu City, where CCTV
footage led to the arrest of a taxi driver involved in
robbing a passenger.
Objectives
•Highlight the role of CCTV in Philippine law
enforcement.
•Discuss challenges in local settings.
•Share local case studies demonstrating
effectiveness.
•Example: Improving barangay-level
surveillance to address rising street crimes.
Role of CCTV in Investigations
• CCTV deters potential crimes
• Helps gather conclusive evidence for Philippine courts.
• Helps gather conclusive evidence for Philippine courts.
• Example: 2023 Valenzuela hit-and-run case, where
CCTV footage identified the vehicle and led to the
driver’s arrest.
Types of CCTV Systems
• Many barangays in Metro Manila use analog CCTV systems
due to budget constraints.
• Private businesses use IP-based systems for remote
monitoring.
• Modern establishments use AI-powered CCTV for advanced
analytics.
Example: Comparison of public barangay CCTV in Quezon
City with the modern CCTV setup at SM Mall of Asia.
CCTV Recovery Techniques
• Footage must be recovered quickly to avoid
overwriting.
• Use professional tools to extract data from different
CCTV brands commonly used, like Dahua or Hikvision.
• Ensure timestamps match real-time events.
• Example: Recovery of tampered footage during the
Makati parking lot altercation (2020) clarified the
timeline of events.
Considerations
• Philippine Data Privacy Act (RA 10173) regulates the handling
of CCTV footage.
• Evidence must comply with local court standards for
admissibility
• Avoid misuse, such as leaking footage to the public without
consent.
Example: 2017 road rage case in Cebu City: CCTV footage went
viral online before being officially presented in court.
Analyzing CCTV Footage
• Enhance low-light footage for better clarity using software.
• Zoom into key details like vehicle plates or facial features.
• Collaborate with the PNP Cybercrime Group for technical
support.
• Example: Bacoor City jewelry shop robbery (2022), where
enhanced footage revealed clear facial profiles of suspects.
Issues in Using CCTV
• Limited funding for barangay CCTV systems, leading to
poor-quality footage.
• Overwriting due to insufficient storage, especially in
high-density areas like Pasay or Manila.
• Vulnerability to tampering or hacking.
• Example: During the 2018 Boracay fire, local CCTV
systems failed to provide usable footage due to
outdated equipment.
Best Practices for Law Enforcement
• Train PNP officers to handle and analyze CCTV
systems effectively.
• Expand partnerships with businesses for shared
surveillance coverage.
• Advocate for additional funding for barangaylevel CCTV upgrades.
• Example: Quezon City’s “No CCTV, No Business
Permit” ordinance encourages private entities to
invest in quality surveillance systems.
Studies
• Incident: Robbery in Tondo, Manila.
• Role of CCTV: Footage captured the suspect
escaping through a narrow alley, leading to their
arrest.
• Incident: Assault in a Cebu bar.
• Role of CCTV: High-quality footage showed the
altercation, clarifying self-defense claims.
PNP MC No. 2015-005