While high resolution cameras are closely watching over erring motorists along EDSA as part of the No-Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP), a small group of thieves, meanwhile, were also keeping an eye on those cameras as part of their illegal money-making activity.

But they were not interested in those high-end and artificial intelligence-capable cameras, they appeared to be drooling more on the wires inside those thick cables that they could sell to scrap material shops for easy money.

And on June 20, that opportunity they waited for finally came to steal the cables that connect the NCAP’s closed circuit television to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) command center.

MMDA chief information officer Sharon Gentalian said the cables stolen were from the CCTVs that were just recently installed at the Guadalupe overpass in Makati City.

“During the testing last week, our team detected humming sound for that particular CCTVs so they were disconnected for troubleshooting,” said Gentalian, adding that it was the scheduled troubleshooting on June 24 when the cable theft was discovered.

MMDA personnel immediately reviewed the CCTVs near the area and lo and behold, the cable theft was captured and it happened at 8:27 p.m. on June 20.

‘Purely theft’

The CCTVs being used in NCAP boast of high resolution output with artificial intelligence capability.

MMDA chairman Don Artes said the CCTVs have the ability to focus on the violations and the violators through AI and even have the capability to see through the tinted windshields.

But these AI-run CCTVs appeared to be no match to the cable thieves who knew exactly what to do, probably based on “experience”.

Little did they know, however, that another CCTV was also watching over the CCTVs from which they stole the cables.

Artes was quick to point out that all indications point to cable theft as the motive behind the incident.

“We have CCTV footage showing that when they first hung out in the area, they were not angry at NCAP. It is more of a case of theft,” said Artes.

Tighter measures

Artes said they already obtained photos of the cable thieves based on the CCTV footage

The MMDA is now coordinating with the police to identify and arrest them.

As part of the measures to prevent the repeat of the incident Gentalian said Artes already ordered the concerned MMDA personnel to revisit all CCTV sites for security review.

Artes said they are also planning to put protection or barriers to secure both the camera and cables.

And if possible, relocate those CCTV cameras installed in “dangerous” areas.

Currently, the majority of the NCAP cameras are installed along EDSA but Artes earlier said that they plan to install at least 1,000 more in various parts of Metro Manila.

Artes also warned of consequences for cable theft.