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.

In a statement on Monday, April 6, Secretary to the Mayor Jose Marty Go said there are still similar cases pending in court.

“The city has decided to pursue the case against the accused to show that we are serious in running after those responsible for committing petty crimes within the vicinity of BCGC,” he said.

Go said Mayor Greg Gasataya has directed the Public Order and Safety Office to beef up security along the perimeter of the BCGC.

On March 20, Bago City resident Anthony James Arnaiz was detained after stealing two meters of streetlight electrical wiring and a backpack at the BCGC grounds.

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 the accused guilty of theft and sentenced him to 10 days in jail.

His detention since March 20 has been credited towards his sentence.

Estopia instructed the person responsible for Arnaiz’s custody to release him unless he is detained for other causes. (PNA)