Bacolod mayor acts on viral video on fast-food incident

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD CITY – Three adolescents aged 13 to 15 were taken into protective custody Thursday, Aug. 14, 2025, following a coordinated operation by the Department of Social Services and Development Anti-Mendicancy Team and Police Station 1.

The action came in response to a viral video allegedly showing the minors intimidating children at a fast-food outlet on Gatuslao Street.

Bacolod City Police Office Director Col. Joeresty Coronica confirmed the teens matched those seen in the footage, which depicted four solvent-abusing youths reportedly harassing patrons.

A concerned parent who posted the video claimed one of the minors threatened her daughter’s companion with a scissor-like object.

Mayor Greg Gasataya immediately mobilized authorities after viewing the footage, classifying the minors as children at risk.

“With the clamor among parents and children, and given the situation, action was necessary,” Gasataya said during a visit to Police Station 1 to assess the teens’ condition.

He emphasized ongoing coordination between the DSSD and BCPO to ensure public safety.

DSSD-Bacolod head Dr. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said there could be legal consequences for guardians in cases involving parental neglect.

“In some cases where there is parental negligence, we can take custody while facilitating assistance,” she said.

“But for those who have already been warned, the state can also initiate actions to teach them a lesson.”

Background checks revealed the 13-year-old had run away from his home in Cadiz City, while the other two, both Bacolod natives, were identified as street-connected youth.

All three remain under DSSD supervision at the Youth Home pending further intervention.