By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) cluster head and Executive Assistant Joemarie Vargas yesterday confirmed the new closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have arrived and are being installed across the city.
Vargas said the 39 CCTVs are high-definition (HD), with 18 currently operational, and purchased for P23 million.
The cameras are also remotely controlled and able to turn 360 degrees in any direction.
He pointed out the purpose for the equipment is for disaster preparedness and crime prevention, as operators stationed at the old Bacolod City Hall can immediately alert emergency personnel whenever there is a vehicular accident or if they spot a crime in progress.
Vargas also noted, the HD quality of the cameras would also enable them to clearly identify license plate numbers and faces.
With regard to the CCTVs installed during the previous administration, Vargas said, when they took office, nine of the 15 CCTVs were still operational but, around four months ago, he said the remaining cameras stopped working.
The old CCTV cameras previously came under scrutiny after overpricing allegations surfaced./DGB, WDJ