By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – The local government of Toboso, Negros Occidental, is offering a PHP10,000 cash reward to anyone who helps apprehend individuals causing disturbances during town fiestas.
Mayor-elect Richard Jaojoco, currently serving as a councilor, said the move aims to curb unruly behavior during community celebrations, particularly among youth during barangay or purok fiestas.
“This is our way of showing the public that we are serious,” Jaojoco said.
“We will press charges against basaguleros (troublemakers),” he added.
On June 6, the municipal police announced via Facebook that a concerned citizen had received the PHP10,000 reward for aiding in the arrest of a man who violated Article 155 of the Revised Penal Code, or the Alarm and Scandal law.
Police said the suspect was intoxicated and acting in a scandalous manner, alarming residents preparing for the town’s upcoming three-day fiesta.
The Toboso Municipal Police Station pledged to strictly enforce the law during the celebration and called for public cooperation.
“Any criminal activity will result in swift and decisive legal action,” police said.
Jaojoco noted that the reward policy will initially apply to the town fiesta from June 11 to 13.
He expressed interest in extending the initiative to future fiestas to maintain public safety and order.
“We’re spending millions to allow the community to celebrate and enjoy, so it’s only right to protect that atmosphere from those who intend to disrupt it,” he said.
The town’s municipal peace action team has also been trained to handle peace and order concerns and to provide basic life support when necessary.
