The local government of Cagayan de Oro has launched an investigation into a school building that was vandalized by unidentified individuals and allegedly used as a drug den.

Some walls and doors have been damaged, power lines have been missing, and other materials were allegedly stolen. Drug paraphernalia were also found in the classrooms.

The four-story, 42-classroom school building at Cugman National High School has remained dormant and has not been utilized since construction finished in 2022.

The Local School Board (LSB) and the Department of Education (DepEd) met on Tuesday, July 30, 2024, to address the problem.

“Ang gisugyot sa atong mayor nga kinahanglan mahuman gyud tanan ang facility so gi-differ (previous budget) ang karon nga budget year ug gitagaan og pagtagad sa atong City Engineering Office nga maapil sa supplemental budget ang dugang budget na pud para naa na’y electrical fixtures ug ang ato pud pagbutang sa water facility kay mao lagi na daghan og kakulangon ang maong building,” City Mayor’s Office Spokesperson, Janboy Actub, said.

The LSB found that the building was not ready for occupancy when it was turned over by the previous administration on June 24, 2022.

In a statement, LSB said the project has no building permit when it was turned over, and hence, could not be issued with an occupancy permit.

It added that the title of the property was released to DepEd only on July 3, 2023.

“The LSB is committed to finishing this project by fast-tracking the construction of the fence, water system, power connection, chairs, access road, and restoration of damages by December this year,” LSB said.

“The DepEd regrets that some damages and reported criminal activities happened in the unfinished school facilities in Barangay Cugman. The agency has coordinated with the local police and barangay council to address security and safety concerns,” LSB added.