Sultan Kudarat Gov. Suharto Mangudadatu said the package, which was earlier committed to the province by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, involves the installation of modern security cameras and computerized surveillance systems in strategic places within the province.
"This will help our local authorities monitor the movement of suspected terrorists and criminal groups in our area," he said.
Mangudadatu said the installation of security cameras and surveillance systems is part of the national government's initiatives to curb the incidence of terror and criminal activities such as bomb attacks, carnapping and trafficking of illegal drugs in various parts of the country.
Under the project, at least 24 security cameras and surveillance units will reportedly be installed in various public places such as terminals, public markets, public plaza, shopping malls, churches and commercial or business establishments.
The provincial government of Sultan Kudarat is also planning to put up a centralized monitoring system by equipping
the security cameras with wifi (wireless fidelity) network connectivity.
Teng Garcia, Sultan Kudarat's political affairs assistant for information and special concerns, said the security cameras and surveillance monitors will initially be installed in Tacurong City and in Isulan town, the province's capital.
He said Tacurong and Isulan were chosen as priority areas due to the previous series of bombing incidents that occurred in these areas.
"For security reasons, I'm not privy of the specific areas where these security systems will be installed but the project's coverage mentioned the entire province of Sultan Kudarat," he said in a radio interview.
Garcia said the governor has authorized the Sultan Kudarat police and local intelligence units to determine the areas that would be covered by the security cameras and surveillance systems.
Last month, the governor also commissioned the installation of security cameras and surveillance systems at the provincial capitol in Isulan town in a deal with a Koronadal City-based representative of security solutions firm Automation and Security, Inc (ASI).
ASI representatives said the new security and surveillance system provides a 24-hour security monitoring for the entire provincial capitol compound. (Allen V. Estabillo / MindaNews)
