By Glazyl Y. Masculino
BACOLOD CITY – In response to increasing vandalism, the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has announced a P1,000 reward for information leading to the identification of those responsible.
Under the directive of Mayor Alfredo “Albee” Benitez, Police Colonel Noel Aliño, BCPO director, has enforced the Anti-Vandalism Ordinance more rigorously after vandalism targeted traffic signs and business walls.
Aliño revealed the establishment of the BCPO Anti-Vandalism Task Force during a meeting last Wednesday. The force, headed by Police Lieutenant Colonel Lester Leada, comprises members from various units within the police department.
Their initial meeting focused on the key aspects of City Ordinance 534, known as the Anti-Vandalism Ordinance. They outlined steps for action against vandalism, from identifying hotspots to legal proceedings and prevention efforts.
Aliño also mentioned deploying “B- PLUS,” an initiative engaging the LGBTQ+ community in cleaning and beautifying vandalized areas.
Penalties for vandalism under the ordinance start at P1,000 for a first-time offense, escalating to a possible six-month jail term for repeat offenses, contingent on the court’s assessment.
Youths involved in such acts will either face civil liability through their parents or, for those between 15 to 18 years old, participate in community service, with the exact punishment dictated by their involvement in the education system or local community.
For violators aged 15 and below, civil liability will be shouldered by the parents, but those 15 to 18 years old, will be made to restore the property and be required to render service to the school, if enrolled, or render community service to the barangay, the ordinance said.
