Pagbutlak

By: Mikhaela dela Cruz & Phil Liam Nono

As part of its ongoing efforts to bolster security measures, the University of the Philippines Visayas has recently expanded its existing Closed-Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance network by installing additional cameras throughout its campus. 

The newly installed CCTV cameras supplement the current surveillance system, providing broader coverage of areas deemed strategic by the Security Service Force (SSF) and especially contributing to ensuring nighttime safety on campus by operating round-the-clock and promptly detecting and addressing incidents.

“During nighttime, very important guid man na we have an immediate response team inkaso kung may mga insidente, maka-respond dayun ,” SSF Chief Raymund Gemarino noted.

Maximizing Security in Incident Detection and Resolution

While not providing 360-degree coverage due to the fixed 90-degree angle coverage of the cameras, Gemarino suggests that the CCTV system has still been effective in detecting and addressing incidents on campus. Instances have been documented where lost items were successfully recovered, and individuals involved in theft cases were identified with the assistance of CCTV footage.

“Unlike sa iban nga mga schools, aton dya kay open kita for intrusions kang iban pa, amo ra nga kinahanglan may mga CCTV kita nga maput-up sa mga strategic areas luwas sa aton mga guard posts (Unlike other schools, our university is open for external intrusions. That’s why putting up CCTV cameras is needed in strategic areas across campus other than the guard posts), ” Gemarino stated.

Notably, the system is centralized, with control vested solely in the hands of the SSF and access to footage only allowed with a formal request process through the Office of the Vice Chancellor for Administration. This centralized approach allows for swift response mechanisms in cases of intrusion or other security breaches.

“May confidentiality kita nga ginasunod. Hindi pwede ka-view kung sin-o sin-o lang. Actually, ang aton CCTV is hindi ni per guard, it is centralized. Ang bilog nga CCTV [system] naton nga program is centralized. Isa lang na ang ga-kontrol, diri lang sa opisina sang SSF (We adhere to confidentiality. We do not allow people to have access haphazardly. Actually, our CCTVs are not individually per guard, it is centralized. The whole CCTV system program is centralized. It is controlled only in the office of the SSF),” Gemarino added.

On Privacy

However, concerns have been raised regarding privacy, prompting the SSF to emphasize the importance of balancing security needs with privacy rights.  

“Kung may dyan kita nga surveillance, may ginatawag kita nga omission of crimes kay ti ma-aware man ang aton mga constituents nga may CCTV kita nga ga-cover sa aton area kag at least for the purpose of crime prevention (The presence of surveillance contributes to the omission of crime because constituents will be aware of the CCTVs covering certain areas, and at least this is for purpose of crime prevention),” he remarked.

Feedback on CCTV Expansion

According to Gemarino, feedback regarding the expanded CCTV network has been largely positive, with many members of the UPV community expressing appreciation for the university’s proactive approach to security. Additionally, students of the university shared their thoughts and sentiments regarding the implemented expansion of the CCTV program.

”The recent cases of violence and assault on and around the campus have made the environment of the university feel unsafe, especially for those who prefer to go and do things alone or for those who stay out late at night because of schoolwork or events,” commented Joena Bautista, a BS in Statistics student. “With this, I see no issue with the university’s decision to install additional CCTV’s around campus because it provides more security and a feeling that you are protected.” 

In addition, students have also expressed how the additional CCTV can provide a stronger sense of security and assurance on campus. 

“I believe that the additional CCTVs will make you feel safer or more secure on campus. Places that are hard to reach [corners, tight places, and unreachable spaces] can now be observed and seen,” Adelline Sumagaysay of BA in Psychology said.

While the addition of cameras enhances security measures, UPV students have given suggestions on the measures to be done in order to avoid misuse and abuse of the CCTV system.

Concerning the impact of the increased surveillance on the overall campus culture, students also expressed their thoughts and feelings on the matter.

“As a freshman, I do not think I have much to say that could perfectly encapsulate the campus culture here in UP yet, so with regards to the installation of additional CCTVs, all I can take from it is that it will increase the monitoring of campus activities. We’ll have to see how it will help with the increased efficiency of the security personnels especially whenever they accompany us during in-campus rallies.” Monique Margaret Jalbuena of BA in Communication and Media Studies shared.

Ensuring safety in student spaces

Antonette Tubungan, A BS BA Marketing student, emphasized the need for CCTVs to be installed in the College Union Building (CUB), Teaching and Learning Resource Center (TLRC) and hallways of academic buildings to ensure the safety of students, faculty and staff as well as their belongings.

“I believe the CCTVs should be installed in public spaces such as the CUB and TLRC since I have seen numerous reports from fellow UPV students that their orders from the UPV community got stolen because they were left on the CUB shelves. By installing CCTVs, we can prevent this from happening and can identify immediately those who would take things that aren’t theirs on the shelves. I also believe that they should be installed in the hallways of the academic buildings to monitor whatever is happening in those buildings and to ensure that those spaces are safe for the students, faculty, and other UPV constituents.” 

Numerous students asserted that the benefits of the additional CCTVs on campus outweigh any potential drawbacks and concerns, as articulated by the interviewees.

“Having CCTVs outweighs any potential drawbacks because in the time we have now, with multiple issues of security and safety around campus and as well as the town itself, security cameras can help protect not only the students, but also staff and other workers in the university. If there is still violence that occurs, then we can rely on the CCTV’s to aid in the identification of the perpetrators and by extension, their lawful punishment,” Bautista highlighted. 

Moving forward, Gemarino stated that the UP Visayas SSF remains committed to regularly evaluating and improving its security infrastructure to meet the evolving needs of its constituents by leveraging technology and implementing strategic measures.