BACOLOD CITY – Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez has ordered the strict implementation of measures to curb the proliferation of vandalism incidents across the city.
In his Executive Order (EO) 025-2024 dated April 24, Benitez formed a task force, which is headed by the mayor himself or any authorized representative that that he would appoint.
“Vandalism has an adverse effect to the quality of life in various communities, creating an undesirable impression of disorder and lawlessness,” the mayor said.
On Friday, Lt. Col. Ronnie Brillo, spokesperson of Bacolod City Police Office, said the mayor’s executive order strengthens the similar task force earlier created by police city director, Col. Noel Aliño.
“This means the EO has institutionalized the anti-vandalism task force of BCPO. We can now focus more on the implementation of the ordinance and apprehend the violators,” he added in an interview.
City Ordinance 534 or the Anti-Vandalism Ordinance of 2011 prohibits acts of vandalism, imposing penalties for violations and for other purposes.
Brillo said that since the BCPO anti-vandalism task force was formed earlier this month, they have arrested eight individuals, excluding minors,
now facing charges in court for violation of City Ordinance 534.
Meanwhile, Benitez’s EO 025-2024 named City Legal Officer Romeo Carlos Ting Jr. as the task force vice chairperson.
The mayor designated the City Legal Office, Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD), Public Information Office and City Tourism Office to conduct an information and dissemination drive in all schools and barangays.
“Heightened police visibility is encouraged to monitor high-risk areas prone to vandalism, deter potential offenders, and apprehend individuals caught in the act of vandalizing property,” Benitez said.
He also directed the DSSD to take charge of handling the minors that may be apprehended, and the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials to implement the curfew ordinance to discourage and/or restrict the presence of underage individuals in public places during late evening and early morning hours. (PNA)
