Mandaue City is considering a reward scheme to encourage residents to report and identify individuals behind vandalism incidents targeting public fences and walls.
Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano said the city may tap even personal funds to support the initiative as authorities step up efforts to curb repeated defacement across key areas.
“I was considering my personal funds na muhatag ko og rewards sa kung kinsa tong maka send og video sa mga naghugaw-hugaw,” Ouano said.
City workers have already repainted and cleaned affected structures as part of ongoing beautification efforts and ASEAN-related preparations, especially along major routes used for the summit. However, some areas were vandalized again shortly after restoration.
“Mao na karon magpa beautify ta sa syudad…mao na akong gipaningkamutan nga mutabang ang tanan,” he said.
Ouano appealed for stronger public cooperation, stressing that maintaining order and cleanliness requires shared responsibility between residents and authorities.
The city has recently engaged fraternities and other groups in discussions aimed at addressing vandalism cases and improving community discipline.
“Kahibaw ko dili siya sayun solbaron pero dapat magsugod lang siguro ta,” he said.
Residents who witness vandalism are encouraged to submit video evidence to the Mandaue Public Affairs social media page for proper action.
Alongside the proposed reward system, the city is also tightening enforcement of penalties under its anti-vandalism ordinance, including community service for offenders.
Ouano said minors aged 15 to 18 caught vandalizing property may be referred to barangays for rehabilitation measures, while those below 15 fall under limited accountability mechanisms under existing rules.
He added that while CCTV cameras are installed in key areas, monitoring remains challenging due to the need to verify timing and location of incidents.
Ouano said sustained community participation will be crucial in holding offenders accountable and preventing repeat violations. (VCL)
Photo courtesy of Jonkie Ouano / Facebook
Comments