Ordinance requiring CCTV cameras for hotels mulled
City Mayor Jerry P. Treñas yesterday confirmed that he told City Councilor Ely Estante to study the possibility of passing an ordinance requiring hotels to have close circuit television (CCTV) cameras for the protection of their clients.
Treñas said CCTV cameras along the hotel lobby and hallways could monitor the entry and exit of hotel guests.
Treñas said the move was prompted by the recent killing of a non-government organization organizer at the Eon Centennial Hotel after it was gathered that Epi Ramos had two unidentified male friends in his room prior to his death.
Ramos was the chief executive officer of Field Epidemiology Training Program Alumni Foundation Inc., a partner organization of the Department of Health, and was spearheading a training seminar at the hotel when the incident happened.
Early police reports showed that Ramos may have allowed male escort service inside his room who not only brutalized him but also robbed the victim of two laptop computers, two cellphones, a wallet containing an undetermined amount of cash and the seminar registration fee of some P100,000 that was also missing.
At least 20 stab wounds were inflicted on the victim, four on the head and five on the chest. Defense wounds were also present on both arms proving that a struggle ensued.
Estante, chairman of the city’s Task Force Adams Apple, said the suspects might be members of a big-time syndicate preying on homosexuals. But it could not be determined if they are regular workers in gay bars or free lancers.
Treñas earlier said he will discuss the matter on hotel guest security with the Iloilo Hotels, Restaurants and Resorts Association (IHRRA). The association, headed by Happy Abenir, is willing to discuss the matter with hotel owners since CCTV cameras require big investment. (PNA)