Vandalizers collared

Police arrested two men Tuesday for allegedly damaging a concrete utility pole belonging to the Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) along Congressional Avenue in Barangay Culiat, Quezon City.

The Quezon City Police District (QCPD) identified the suspects as 32-year-old “Jerome” and 30-year-old “Ariel,” both residents of Barangay Culiat.

According to an initial police report, patrolling officers from the Holy Spirit Police Station (PS 14) spotted the suspects at approximately 4 p.m. on 10 November using a hammer and other manual tools to break into the lower base of the concrete pole.

“The officers immediately approached the suspects and asked them to present documents authorizing the activity. However, the suspects failed to provide proof of authorization, prompting the officers to arrest them,” the QCPD stated.

Responding operatives recovered a metal hammer with a wooden handle, a pointed metal punch, a screwdriver, cutter pliers, and two PVC pipes modified with metal nails. Authorities estimated the total damage to the utility structure at P117,062.74.