Manila gov’t to file complaints vs. teens whose prank injured balloon vendor

The Manila government will file complaints against a group of teenagers whose prank injured a balloon vendor in Pandacan, Mayor Isko Moreno said Monday.

Balloon vendor Oliver Rosales suffered second-degree burns after the group of seven teenagers lit one of his balloons. The fire rapidly grew and caught the man’s head and arm.

“As the father of the city, siyempre gusto ko hangga’t maaari, e magkalinawagan, magkaintindihan. Kung kailan at kung saan may pananagutan, papanagutin—maaaring sibil, maaaring criminal,” Moreno said in a press conference where he presented five of the teenagers to the media.

When the medical examination on the vendor is released, the complaint could evolve into serious physical injury, according to Moreno.

“Noong February 14, may salaysay na ‘yung biktima na siya raw ay magfa-file ng kaso sa mga menor de edad na ito” Moreno said.

Rosales agreed to settle the matter for just P35,000, according to barangay officials. However, Moreno expressed willingness to hold the teenagers liable for their actions.

Despite the settlement between Rosales and the pranksters, Moreno said they will do the “regular process” to give relief to the public that the local government is responding to this kind of issue.

“Inatasan na ni [Manila Police District chief Brigadier General Bernabe Balba] ang mga kapulisan to do the regular process,” the mayor said. — Joviland Rita/BM, GMA News