The Philippine National Police (PNP) will impose stiffer security methods among banks in its campaign against bank robberies.
The move was an offshoot of the robbery-slay incident at the Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. (RCBC) branch in Cabuyao, Laguna, on Friday where nine bank employees and a customer service representative were summarily killed.
The victims were found dead early morning even before the bank opened.
PNP spokesman Chief Superintendent Nicanor Bartolome said the PNP plans to inspect all banks nationwide to assess security systems and institute improvements if needed.
"Some banks, although it is imperative that they have one, do not have closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras. Also, some have easy-to- manipulate alarm systems," he told BusinessWorld.
The RCBC branch in Cabuyao did not have CCTVs and had dysfunctional alarms, Mr. Bartolome said.
PNP chief Director-General Avelino I. Razon, Jr. ordered regional directors to implement the security clustering system in areas with bank branches and other commercial establishments.
Under the system, a police team under a supervisor will be assigned to provide security in high-risk areas.
