ISABELA CITY, Basilan (PIA) – The City Government of Isabela de Basilan has launched I-Watch (Isabela Watch), a joint surveillance and rapid response unit aimed to ensure public safety and security in the city.
The initiative is spearheaded by the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), led by Uso Dan Salasim. I-Watch will be based at the CDRRM Operation Center, which is equipped with 67 strategically placed closed-circuit television cameras throughout the city.
Salasim highlighted the significance of the I-Watch initiative. He emphasized that the collaboration between the CDRRMO and local law enforcement agencies in Isabela City is a pioneering effort in enhancing public safety and security.
Meanwhile Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman emphasized the need for active involvement from the security sectors, stating that the installation of CCTVs revealed a broader potential for security applications. She believes that the technology goes beyond responding to disasters and serves as a tool for crime prevention. She added that this initiative will also empower authorities to monitor incidents in real-time and identify perpetrators. She stressed that the I-Watch initiative aims to contribute to the overall public safety and community security in Isabela City.
“Ang pangarap natin ay hindi lamang solusyunan ang mga krimen, kundi higit sa lahat ay maiwasan ang mga ito sa lungsod. Makikita pa lamang natin ang mangyayari, alam na natin paano aksyunan. [ Our dream is not only to solve crimes, but above all to prevent crimes in our city. When we can see what is going to happen, we already know how we are going to act on it.]” Mayor Turabin-Hataman stressed.
Isabela City Mayor Sitti Djalia Turabin-Hataman
Brigadier General Alvin Luzon,
Furthermore, Brigadier General Alvin Luzon, the commander of the 101st Infantry Brigade and Joint Task Force-Basilan, commended the LGU’s initiative. He described the I-Watch system as commendable and a potential model for replication in various areas and other local government units. He emphasized its potential in enhancing disaster response, addressing criminality, maintaining public order and safety, and contributing to the overall enhancement of internal security operations.
The I-Watch initiative in Isabela City demonstrates the commitment of the local government and security sectors to prioritize the safety and security of its residents. With the implementation of this innovative surveillance and rapid response unit, Isabela City aims to create a safer and more secure environment for all its citizens.(RVC/EDT/NDR – PIA Basilan with reports and photos from LGU Isabela City)
