By Jennifer P. Rendon
Yes, vandalism is a crime.
Five teenagers were caught in the act vandalizing the esplanade wall at City Proper district, Iloilo City early morning of Nov 6, 2021.
Iloilo City’s Green guards caught them defacing the wall of Esplanade 8 along Muelle Loney Street around 1:30 a.m. of Saturday.
Green Guards Alejandro Zafra, Jr. and Reagan Layson, together with members of Iloilo City Police Station 1, arrested JL Capillo, 18, of Lapuz district, Iloilo City; Kenneth Jan Modina, 19, of Barangay Sinikway, Lapuz; Steven Kim Conde, 18, of Barangay Baldoza, La Paz district; and Rosevilt Mosquera, 19, and John Vincent Jadulas, 18, both residents of Barangay Ingore, La Paz.
Captain Shella Mae Sangrines, ICPS 1 commander, said the suspects even resisted when they were arrested but they were eventually subdued.
Taken from their possession were four canisters of spray paint and two jumbo markers.
Police said they will file a case for malicious mischief against the suspects.
Meanwhile, Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Treñas lamented the acts committed by the five young men.
“We had been extending all our efforts to create sustainable programs and projects, and cleaning the entire metro, it is very heartbreaking to see that there are some of our residents who would vandalize our efforts,” he said in a Facebook post.
Treñas also pleaded for everyone’s participation in clearing and cleaning the metropolis.
“Your actions play a big part in leveling up the City of Love. Be responsible and help clean Iloilo City,” he said.
