The Mandaue City Government has identified the minor caught on closed-circuit television (CCTV) vandalizing a public school in the city in the early hours of June 10.
The identification came after the city received information from an anonymous source, which helped authorities establish the suspect’s identity.
On Thursday, June 18, the mother of the 16-year-old suspect appeared before Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano. The mayor said the minor is a resident of Barangay Centro.
As part of the city’s response, the minor and his parent will undergo an intervention program that includes community service and counseling under the City Social Welfare Services Office (CSWSO).
The program aims to help the minor understand the consequences of his actions and promote responsible behavior.
Based on the report of the Mandaue City Police Office (MCPO), authorities are continuing their investigation into other individuals allegedly involved in similar vandalism incidents in other barangays across the city.
Ouano said the minor was responsible for vandalizing walls with the word “SOLO.”
He noted that dealing with minors remains a challenge in the city’s anti-vandalism efforts.
“Kung minor di man gyud ta ka papriso ana, it is against our law,” Ouano said.
However, he said a proposal is being considered in the City Council, through Councilor Jennifer Del Mar, which would impose penalties on parents if their children commit vandalism in the future.
The city is also exploring additional measures to prevent similar incidents.
Ouano emphasized that the city will continue monitoring violations and coordinating with barangay officials to ensure proper sanctions and interventions are enforced.
As a gesture of appreciation for community cooperation, the mayor awarded a P5,000 cash reward to the anonymous informant whose tip led to the identification of the suspect.
“We are serious in our fight against vandalism. Salamat sa mga Mandauehanon nga mitabang sa pag-ila sa mga responsable,” Ouano said.
“Let’s help keep Mandaue clean, orderly, and respectful of our shared public spaces,” he added.
He also encouraged the public to report vandalism incidents and cooperate with authorities in maintaining order in the city.
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