Teen vandalizes mural paintings in Lapu-Lapu

CEBU, Philippines — A 17-year-old suspected vandal in Barangay Pusok in Lapu-Lapu City was apprehended for the second time with the same offense.

This time, the vandal, who has been placed under the custody of the Home Care Center for Children in Barangay Gun-ob due to his first offense of vandalism, was identified as the culprit by his classmate, after a wall in Barangay Ibo was found with the phrase, "This street is owned by (the vandal's signature)" written in black paint.

The city’s Public Information Office shared a photo of the vandal's work, which caught the attention of one of the suspect's classmates.

Upon immediate communication with the informant, the page administrator was able to identify the vandal.

The informant further shared a post on the mayor's page, showing the vandal writing the same phrase on the blackboard in their classroom, providing additional evidence against the latter.

The vandal, according to the Home Care staff, began his community service on April 28 as a consequence of his initial offense. However, just ten days later, he committed a second act of vandalism.

The staff has filed charges against him for his first offense, as it violates the city ordinance against vandalism, which carries a hefty fine of P67,000 due to the multiple counts.

The informant will be rewarded with P30,000 for aiding in the arrest of the vandal.

The suspect, currently a Grade 8 student at Pusok Elementary School, will undergo additional time at the Home Care Center for Children, in addition to his community service.

On April 2023, Chan posted on his Facebook page about giving rewards to those who can report the responsible of vandalizing.

The Lapu-Lapu City government started the biggest mural project through a joint effort of the Department of Labor and employment-7, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-7, and Island Premium Paints through the Mayor’s office. — Esraelita P. Inosario, BiPSU Intern/GMR (FREEMAN)