By: Angelica Esther M. Jumao-as, Rona Mae Enilda and Mary Olive Roxanne C. Leoncion

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines – The 911 Command Center, a centralized emergency response system operating around the clock to ensure rapid assistance and real-time monitoring across this city has expanded its innovation to improve emergency response and secure the safety of the community.

The command center has expanded its innovation by adding more CCTV cameras since its first launch in 2013.

PMAJ Napili and the city’s 911–CCTV operations confirmed that the expanded CCTV network has recently aided faster incident verification, crime investigation, and suspect identification, while enabling real-time coordination among the PNP, 911, medical services, and other agencies to respond collectively and continuously to emergencies across Legazpi City.

Jason Jadie, Legazpi 911 operations foreman under City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO)  said that they integrate police, fire, medical, and disaster response under a single command structure. 

The modernized system is supported by 240 operational CCTV cameras, allowing personnel to monitor key intersections, major roads, and public spaces 24/7.

“911 provides the needs in every incident like medical. If there is an emergency outside, this is where they call first and then we approve the needs if it’s the police, if there is fire, we will call them and act on it,” Jadie said.

The city first started with only 10 CCTV cameras and then every year 20-40 CCTV cameras are added. But they also remove the old ones, the obsolete ones, since the lifespan of CCTVs are 2-3 years only, maximum is 3. 

Areas with many CCTVs are Metro Legazpi, Ayala which is Barangay Kapantawan, the BPI Rotonda, and at the Legazpi City Market. 

“The CCTV is a big help to the town. For example when the police investigate, they catch the suspects more easily. Our response to those who need help is faster because our CCTVs are monitored 24/7. Because of that, we are also adding more CCTVs in areas that do not have CCTVs installed yet of course to ensure the safety of everyone,” he added.

The command center makes emergency response faster and more organized by letting agencies see incidents in real time and work together, helping reduce crime and build public trust. 

However, officials say cameras alone are not enough, so the city is also improving street lighting to make streets safer and more visible at night.

Lighting for Security

Engr. Salamiño of the City Engineering Office said the city’s shift from basic streetlight coverage to a solar-lighting initiative has strengthened community safety by improving nighttime visibility, deterring crime, and ensuring uninterrupted lighting during power outages, particularly in disaster-prone areas of Legazpi City.

“We already have streetlights. In fact, we have additional lighting now, the solar lights,” he said.

Engr. Salamiño stated, outlining a program that installed solar lighting in 20 barangays. This solar initiative is primarily targeted at rural areas, while urban centers and major highways continue to rely on electric lighting LEDs to ensure maximum brightness.  

The push for improved lighting comes with a direct link to public safety. Proper lighting, officials said, not only enhances visibility but also contributes to crime prevention and a stronger sense of security for pedestrians, especially during nighttime hours.

Engr. Salamiño said the city is shifting from basic streetlight coverage to a solar-lighting initiative that is largely community-driven. Barangay officials are tasked with identifying dark or high-risk areas and formally requesting new installations, making local observations the main basis for the city’s deployment of additional streetlights.

“The barangay officials, they request from us. But we will first inspect the barangay’s request. After we inspect the barangay, how many will be put there? We will make a program, then submit it to the mayor for approval of the budget. Once the budget is approved, then we will implement it.,” Engr. Salamiño explained

Beyond the equipment of CCTVs and streetlights, the Legazpi City safety net is held together with the active presence and coordination of local government authorities and law enforcement.

Smart Policing Through Collaboration

The Public Safety Office (PSO) Octavio Rivero, Officer-in-Charge claimed that when it comes to safety, police officers are assigned to patrol at night, especially in the important areas of Legazpi, particularly in the public spaces. The office also noted that Legazpi is fully equipped with CCTVs, which help ensure the welfare and safety of its residents.

“The entire center of Legazpi already has CCTVs, our CCTVs here have been working starting from the center. In every part of the City of Legazpi, we already have CCTVs, all connected to CDRR 911. Even here in Sawangan, Ibalong Park, and the Obelisk. That is why crime is not as active anymore now in the City of Legazpi.” he stated. 

The Philippines National Police-Legazpi City Police Station claimed that the safety of Legazpi as a city is gained through the collaboration or coordination of the stakeholders and deployment of the police officers that is seen in fixed visibility point (FVP). 

“We can see the police visibility and presence on the streets, not only during rush hours, but with duty 24/7. They are now stationed on the streets at a fixed visibility point.” PMAJ Napili said.  

He also explained the importance of Barangay in maintaining safety in every part of Legazpi. He emphasized the role of Barangay health workers in empowering victims within their small community by upholding their rights, and at the same time how these workers can serve as educators to ensure that men understand acts of violence, whether inside their home, outside, are not acceptable. 

When asked about their collaboration with Barangays in Legazpi, Napili expressed a positive response claiming that 70 barangays are very supportive. From northern up to southern areas. 

“At the same time, we have our community outreach division, which holds regular meetings to address all concerns—not only for women but also to show their support for the police, and of course, for the city.” he  stated. 

This cooperation between community education and modern surveillance has not only protected residents but has also built Legazpi City’s reputation as one of the safest cities. 

Safety as an Ongoing Commitment

Legazpi City’s inclusion among the country’s safest cities underscores the effectiveness of its technology-driven safety systems, police visibility and patrol, as well as infrastructure investments. Yet city officials emphasize that safety is not static.

With ongoing plans to enhance surveillance coverage, street lighting, and emergency response capabilities, Legazpi positions itself not only as a safe destination for travelers, but as a city continually working to make safety felt in everyday life.

As Legazpi grows as a center for commerce, education, and tourism, its approach to public safety remains clear through combining innovation with responsiveness and collaboration with the local government units and constant communication with the community.