Police Col. Joeresty Coronica, the Bacolod City police chief, is advocating for the city council to revise ordinances related to closed-circuit television (CCTV) camera usage. He emphasizes the necessity of bolstering surveillance systems to prevent crime and support law enforcement activities.

Currently, police officers must obtain a court order before accessing CCTV footage as per an existing ordinance, unless the establishment cooperates voluntarily. Coronica points out that this requirement impedes urgent investigations, particularly during hot-pursuit operations where immediate access to video evidence is crucial for identifying and apprehending suspects.

Coronica stresses the need to update the ordinance, citing the increasing innovation of criminals. He emphasizes the importance of modernizing crime-fighting strategies to keep pace with evolving criminal tactics. According to him, CCTV has proven to be an effective tool in crime resolution.

The ongoing development of a city command center and the full implementation of a 200-camera CCTV network are anticipated to significantly enhance law enforcement and disaster response capabilities, as per Coronica's projections.

Coronica proposes a more tailored approach to CCTV regulations by classifying businesses based on their size and risk level. He suggests that not all establishments require the same number of cameras, with smaller businesses potentially needing fewer cameras compared to larger ones.

Emphasizing the significance of proper CCTV placement, especially at eye level and in entry or exit points for facial recognition, Coronica recommends that customers be required to remove sunglasses or hats upon entering establishments for clear visibility as a deterrent.

Councilor Pao Sy, the chairperson of the City Council Committee on Fire, National Disasters, and Calamities, has committed to collaborating on the ordinance amendment following discussions at the City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) meeting. The proposed revisions aim to align with Mayor Albee Benitez's initiative for a city-wide installation of 200 CCTV cameras in strategic locations to enhance surveillance.

Three ordinances related to CCTVs are currently in effect in Bacolod City, focusing on schools, comprehensive city-wide surveillance, and specific business establishments. The proposed changes seek to streamline and modernize these ordinances to better address current law enforcement requirements.

Coronica highlights the joint council's dedication to creating a safer, more technologically advanced Bacolod City that attracts investors through peace, order, and well-planned technological investments.

During the recent meeting, the Bacolod City Police Office reported a two percent decrease in overall crime in the past two quarters, with 121 individuals arrested from April to May 2025, including four individuals from the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC) watchlist. Coronica emphasizes the importance of proactive identification and monitoring at the barangay level to address drug-related crimes effectively.

He underscores the need for enhanced collaboration between barangays, the business sector, and law enforcement to ensure the successful implementation of the revised ordinances. Coronica reiterates that tackling drug-related crimes at the grassroots level is essential, as most crimes are linked to drug activities.