A lawmaker has proposed the installation of high-definition closed-circuit surveillance cameras in baggage scanning areas of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and all other airports nationwide to prevent illegal activities involving airport security personnel.
Rep. Mark A. Villar of Las Piñas City filed House Bill 6243 or the proposed Luggage Surveillance Act of 2015 to stop alleged incidents of bullet-planting and extortion by security personnel which have sowed fear among tourists and local residents.
“These incidents are truly inimical to our tourism industry and to the national economy. We can utilize technology to our advantage, especially in protecting people and in preventing undesirable incidents from happening,” Villar said.
Villar pointed out that the use of high-definition CCTV cameras will also be an added security measure against unlawful schemes that have not yet been anticipated.
“The use of closed-circuit television system cameras in public places and in business establishments ha proven to be useful in identifying and catching offenders, and in preventing crimes from happening due to the fear of being caught,” Villar said.
The measure requires the installation of HD cameras in all baggage checking areas in airport terminals. These cameras shall be online 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Video recordings should also be kept for a period not less than 60 days after being taken.