Surigao City uses AI driven CCTV for crime prevention
By Mariesh F. Celedeña
BUTUAN CITY (PIA) — “Surigao City is the first in the Caraga region to use artificial intelligence (AI) powered closed-circuit television or CCTV with facial recognition technology which has been instrumental in both solving and preventing crimes and significantly contributed to the city’s high public satisfaction rating on peace and order,” said Police Lieutenant Colonel Mariano C. Lukban, chief of police of Surigao City Police Office.
During the Coffee with a COP, the chief of police highlighted that they are utilizing AI technology, allowing faster response time for law enforcement and efficient monitoring of key areas in Surigao City, the gateway of Mindanao.
“The advanced CCTV has helped us solve various crime cases in Surigao City,” the chief of police added. “In May 2025, Surigao City was awarded as having the lowest crime rate among component cities in the region.”
The establishment of CCTV in strategic areas of Surigao City forms part of the implementation of the Community and Service-Oriented Policing (CSOP) System, a collaborative effort between the local government unit, law enforcement, and the community.
According to Lukban, the success of CSOP relies on the three key players: first is the local government unit’s (LGU) awareness of its crucial role and commitment in providing platforms for peace and security; second is the police personnel must be properly oriented and committed to effectively implement CSOP; and lastly, the community which plays the most vital role to actively participate in all CSOP engagements.
He underscored that the active involvement of all the sectors, from local officials down to the barangay or grassroots level, is essential for the community to achieve and sustain peace and order in the locality.
“Even if the LGU is very supportive and law enforcers are well-equipped, quick and timely response is impossible without community participation. The police rely on the public to provide timely and accurate reports,” he emphasized.
The adoption of AI powered CCTV by the city government demonstrates its commitment to fulfilling its CSOP responsibility and supporting law enforcers in their pursuit for a strengthened peace and order. “Through the AI powered CCTV, it allowed police officers to see the faces and vehicles in the streets and highways. In addition to that, the command center is manned 24 hours a day to ensure that all areas are properly monitored and that there is a nonstop surveillance.”
Lukban also shared that to ensure timely response to emergency situations, the Surigao City command center has stationed personnel from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), and City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO). This is to ensure that all public and safety incidents are properly addressed.
Meanwhile, the Coffee with a COP (chief of police) held in Butuan City on September 2 is a platform of the National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Caraga in partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) Caraga, and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Caraga for the annual observance of the National Crime Prevention Week from September 1-7.
As promulgated by Proclamation No. 461, series of 1994, for this year, it bares the theme, ‘Pinalakas na Pamahalaang Lokal para sa Ligtas na Pamayanan: Pagpapatibay ng mga Programa sa Pag-iwas sa Krimen sa Ilalim ng Community and Service-Oriented Policing (CSOP) System (Empowered Local Governments for Safer Communities: Strengthening CSOP Crime Prevention Practices),” highlighting the role of local government units in ensuring safe communities through the institutionalization of CSOP strategies and innovations.
The NAPOLCOM, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), PNP, Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and PIA, is mandated to take the lead in the yearly celebration, reminding the communities that safety, and peace and order across the country are utmost priorities, and crime prevention is an everyday shared responsibility. (MFC, PIA Caraga)
