The Mandaue City Police Office, led by Col. Cirilo Acosta Jr., is urging the City Council to require local businesses to install high-definition CCTV cameras with facial recognition capabilities. The proposed ordinance amendments aim to improve criminal investigations by addressing low-quality security footage and establishing clearer, faster procedures for law enforcement to access private surveillance recordings. Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo Jovito “Jonkie” Ouano expressed support for the technology-driven initiative, while the City Council plans to conduct consultations to balance public safety with business interests. THE Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO) is urging the City Council to amend the City’s existing closed-circuit television (CCTV) ordinance to require business establishments to install high-definition surveillance cameras with facial recognition capabilities to strengthen crime prevention and improve criminal investigations. Col. Cirilo Acosta Jr., MCPO director, said the proposed amendments seek to modernize the city’s surveillance system and address recurring challenges investigators face when reviewing low-quality security footage from private establishments. Acosta said clearer and more advanced CCTV systems would significantly improve the ability of law enforcement agencies to identify suspects, reconstruct incidents and gather evidence during investigations. “The goal is to enhance public safety and make criminal investigations more efficient. Many cases could be resolved more quickly if authorities have access to high-quality video footage that clearly captures the identities of individuals involved,” Acosta said. Ordinance review The City Council is reviewing the proposal, with legislators checking the existing ordinance to determine the necessary amendments to strengthen its implementation. Under the proposed changes, business establishments throughout the city, particularly large commercial entities, must upgrade their security infrastructure to high-definition cameras with facial recognition technology. Police officials believe this technology enables investigators to identify persons of interest more rapidly and improves overall crime detection. Aside from upgrading camera standards, the proposal seeks to streamline police