Bacolod city: Security has been enhanced in the perimeter of the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) to prevent theft, following the conviction of an individual who stole various items in the facility last month.

According to Philippines News Agency, Secretary to the Mayor Jose Marty Go stated that there are still similar cases pending in court. He emphasized that the city is committed to pursuing legal action against those responsible for petty crimes within the vicinity of the BCGC to demonstrate their seriousness in addressing such issues.

Go further explained that Mayor Greg Gasataya has instructed the Public Order and Safety Office to strengthen security measures around the perimeter of the BCGC. This directive comes in response to the recent incident involving Anthony James Arnaiz, a resident of Bago City, who was detained after stealing two meters of streetlight electrical wiring and a backpack from the BCGC grounds on March 20.

Arnaiz was convicted after pleading guilty before the Municipal Trial Court in Cities Branch 5 for theft under Article 308 in relation to Article 309 of the Revised Penal Code. In a decision dated March 31, Presiding Judge Maria Rovi Estopia found him guilty and sentenced him to 10 days in jail, with his detention since March 20 being credited towards his sentence. Judge Estopia instructed that Arnaiz be released unless held for other causes.