MANILA — Lawmakers in the Lower House emphasized on Friday that the mere presence of security cameras is insufficient to deter criminals, as evidenced by the recent fatal shooting of passengers on a provincial bus in Nueva Ecija last Wednesday. Despite this, they are united in advocating for the adoption of more stringent security measures at bus terminals.

Vice Chairman of the House Committee on Public Order and Security, Rep. Reynante Arrogancia, pointed out that buses are “soft targets for precision incursions by hitmen, hold-uppers, and for mid-route ambushes.” While acknowledging the deterrent effect of onboard security cameras, he emphasized that “cameras alone cannot stop a crime.”

Arrogancia proposed collaboration between the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), mayors, and bus firms to designate a network of bus stops with local PNP and barangay tanods conducting security checks on commuters and their baggage.

AKO BICOL Party-list Rep. Elizaldy Co highlighted the recurring incidents of violence on buses and stressed that security cameras alone do not intimidate hired hitmen. He urged the PNP and DILG to form investigation task forces.

Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Alfred Delos Santos called on the PNP to release enhanced images/photos of the perpetrators to enlist public assistance in tracking them down. The Ang Probinsyano Party-list congress also encouraged the public to cooperate fully with authorities and provide any information aiding the investigation.

Security Measures Advocated:

Congressman Arrogancia suggested tightening security at bus terminals but recognized that the greater threat lies along the bus route due to numerous boarding points. He proposed letting regular passengers board at pre-arranged pick-up points and exercising caution with unfamiliar passengers.

Rep. Elizaldy Co recommended picking up commuters at secure locations such as police stations, barangay halls, city halls, and police checkpoints for thorough security checks.

He also cautioned against individuals forcefully squeezing into crowds, as it is a tactic employed by thieves and hitmen. He emphasized the need for effective and scientifically informed measures by DILG and DOTr for the safety of provincial bus passengers, including upgrading law enforcers’ crime prevention capabilities and exploring facial recognition ID systems.

The lawmakers’ calls for tighter security measures follow the fatal shooting incident of two passengers of a Victory Liner bus in Carranglan, Nueva Ecija, on November 15. The Nueva Ecija Provincial Police Office identified the victims as Gloria Atillano, 60, of Purok 6, Santa Luceana, Cauayan City, Isabela, and Arman Bautista, 55, of Koronadal City, South Cotobato. The perpetrators are still at large.

(ai/mnm)