16 skateboarders in BGC nabbed for alarm, scandal

At least 16 skateboarders, ten of whom were minors, were arrested in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) in Taguig for alleged alarm and scandal, Dano Tingcungco reported Sunday on "24 OrasWeekend."

Based on the initial investigation, the BGC security marshalls asked for help from the Taguig City Police to apprehend a group of skateboarders who were allegedly being loud and unruly at a commercial district at the BGC's 9th Avenue Saturday evening at around 8 p.m.

The BGC security initially confronted the suspects, but they reportedly got violent, with one of them even lighting a type of firecracker.

After they were arrested, the city police said they recovered suspected marijuana, concealed in dried duhat leaves and a cigarette packet, from one of the juveniles. The suspect denied the allegation.

The arrested individuals would be charged with alarm and scandal and would face charges for violating Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

This is not the first time the business hub's security personnel got into a heated argument with the skateboarders, according to the police.

A viral video caught a BGC security marshall fighting with a skateboarder from another group. But cops said they were waiting for the security personnel to file a complaint regarding the incident.

“Ang nakita lang natin sa viral na video sapakan. Hindi ipinakita ‘yung nagske-skateboard, ‘yung bata dun sa mga platform dun, mga elevated doon na area which is nakakasira sa gamit,” Police Colonel Robert Baesa, Taguig Chief of Police, said.

(The video showed how they fought. But what was missing was how the skateboarders used the elevated platforms, which damaged the structures.)

“They're using ‘yung BGC facilities. Nasisira. Inaawat po sila ng guard since hindi naman po ito skateboard area. Ngayon po sila, pinagmumura pa nga po yung guard natin. ‘Yun nga napikon ‘yung guard until such time, nagkameron na ngang sakitan,” he added.

(They’re using the BGC facilities and it’s causing damage. The guard stopped them but they cursed him. The guard got mad, and a fight started.)

GMA Integrated News reached out to the security personnel for comment. — DVM, GMA Integrated News