“SEEK” vandal identified, told to clean graffiti

CEBU, Philippines — A 25-year-old man has been identified as the person allegedly responsible for spray-painting the word “SEEK” on walls and other structures in several parts of Mandaue City.

The man, identified only as “Roger,” not his real name, is a resident of Purok Ampalaya in Barangay Cambaro.

According to the Mandaue City government, an informant helped authorities identify Roger as the person behind the vandalism.

Roger later voluntarily went to the office of Mandaue Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano, where he apologized for his actions and promised to clean the areas he allegedly vandalized.

Mayor Ouano gave him three days to remove the graffiti from the affected areas.

Failure to comply could lead to the filing of a malicious mischief complaint against him, according to the city government.

The mayor also acknowledged the Allied Responders and Communicators of Cebu Inc. (ARCC) for assisting in identifying the alleged vandalism suspect.

Mayor Ouano also followed through on his earlier promise to give a P5,000 reward from his personal funds to anyone who could provide information leading to the identification of those responsible for vandalism in the city.

The city government has been pursuing those responsible for vandalism, saying the graffiti affects its efforts to improve the appearance of public spaces in Mandaue.

Roger is the second person identified in connection with vandalism cases under Ouano’s administration.

In June, another man from Barangay Guizo surrendered and admitted to spray-painting an area near the Cebu International Convention Center.  — (FREEMAN)