The Manila City Council has passed a new law requiring every barangay in the capital to install at least 10 security cameras each year to bolster crime prevention and investigation.

Under City Ordinance No. 9152, known as the "Barangay CCTV City Ordinance of 2025," all 896 barangays across Manila must equip key thoroughfares and critical alleys with 24-hour surveillance cameras.

The measure was authored by 1st District Councilor Rosalino Ibay Jr., a retired police colonel and former chief of the Manila Police District’s Special Mayor's Reaction Team.

"As a former police officer, I know CCTVs play a crucial role whenever a crime occurs, leading to swift solutions and deterring criminals from operating in our city," Ibay told Daily Tribune.

While earlier local policies permitted neighborhood surveillance setups, the new measure makes installation mandatory and establishes active compliance checks.

Under the ordinance, Manila Police District (MPD) officers will conduct periodic, documented inspections to verify that all cameras remain fully operational around the clock.

Barangay officials who show negligence in maintaining the systems could face administrative charges.

Equipment does not need to be replaced annually if existing units remain in proper working condition, Ibay clarified.

City officials hope the expanded surveillance network will reduce street crimes, including snatching and pickpocketing, as well as organized robberies by motorcycle-riding suspects and commercial burglary groups.