MMDA, NCRPO pool CCTV resources to secure students

Admitting they cannot cover the entire metropolis on their own, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Metro Manila police will pool their closed-circuit television (CCTV) resources to protect students starting Tuesday. MMDA General Manager Roberto Nacianceno said the two agencies will also team up in securing school zones, especially where students are forced to take evening-shift classes, up to 10 p.m. "Pag sa kanilang command center makita nila traffic na di namin sakop, yan itatawag sa amin at vice versa (If they see something suspicious in their command center in areas covered by their CCTV system, they will notify us, and vice versa)," Nacianceno said in an interview on dzXL radio. He said the MMDA will deploy some 1,500 traffic personnel to school zones to help police protect students from muggers and other criminals. Cops from the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) had gone on heightened alert since last week to protect students from criminals. Night shift Nacianceno said the MMDA traffic personnel assigned to the "night shift" have orders to keep watch over students. "May two shifts yan, ang second shift 6 to 10 p.m., although may areas na di kailangan hanggang 10 p.m. (Our personnel will have two shifts, the second being from 6 to 10 p.m.)," he said, adding the MMDA is aware that many students have to take classes at later hours due to the lack of classrooms. Meanwhile, Nacianceno reiterated his appeal to students not to throw their garbage indiscriminately. He said this may affect the MMDA's flood control efforts, noting that tons of garbage had dragged down the efficiency of pumping stations to 70 percent. Tightened security at bus terminals Meanwhile, police tightened security in bus terminals in Metro Manila Monday for students returning from the provinces after enjoying the last moments of summer vacation. A report on dwIZ radio said police heightened visibility and kept watch against robbers and snatchers who may be looking for victims. For its part, the Philippine Coast Guard stepped up its drive against overloading of vessels. Coast Guard commandant Admiral Wilfredo Tamayo reminded ship owners and operators and local port operators to adopt airline-style security procedures. — RSJ, GMANews.TV