Over 2,000 CCTV cameras installed at NAIA to boost security measures
More than 2,000 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras were installed in the entire Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) complex to enhance security and monitoring in the airport, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Vince Dizon said on Friday.
Dizon announced this during the turnover of CCTV surveillance system from Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) to the New NAIA Infra Corp. (NNIC) in a simple ceremony held at NAIA Terminal 2 in Pasay City.
"Last time I was here, you know our frustrations. Frustrations not only of the President [Ferdinand Marcos Jr.], but of all the victims here at the airport of theft and abuse. So, we're here to announce, based on the directives of the President, that the CCTV system of MIAA was officially turned over as of today to NNIC, to our operator," Dizon said in an interview.
Dizon emphasized the importance of CCTV cameras in resolving incidents of theft and abuse involving some taxi drivers at the airports.
"We ordered this [installation of CCTV cameras] because of the incidents of theft and abuse of taxis," Dizon said.
"So, there are 2,100 plus cameras in the entire NAIA complex. All those cameras are now under the operational control of the operator of NAIA," the Transportation chief added.
Dizon said this will be in constant coordination with law enforcement such as the airport police and government security officials.
"If there's an incident, there are established protocols on what to do with the footage to investigate, and to pinpoint immediately who has the evidence, and to coordinate with law enforcement to catch them immediately. So, hopefully with these CCTV cameras, we'll be quick," he said.
"We'll be quick to identify if there's a thief and abuse. We'll be quick to catch them, so that our countrymen will be safe here in NAIA," the Transportation chief added.
Dizon said NNIC will integrate all of these cameras together, interlinking all airline terminals at the NAIA complex.
"So, we're now here in the main control room of the complex. But there are also other control rooms in NAIA Terminals 1 and 3," he said.
Dizon also said that NNIC will re-assess if there are any remaining blind spots, adding that they install additional surveillance cameras, if there are any.
The DOTr chief assured the public that they will minimize incidents of theft and alleged abuse by erring airport personnel, including taxi drivers.
"You should be afraid because we are all here and just like what happened when the tourist stole the bag, the same thing will happen to you. If I were you, you will find a legal way to earn money. Don't steal. Because if you get caught, you'll be in jail," Dizon warned.