Two male youths caught on video destroying an election tarpaulin of a candidate in Muntinlupa were advised by Mayor Ruffy Biazon to just focus on their studies instead of allowing themselves to be used by politicians after they presented themselves to him. 

On Jan. 28, Biazon posted the video on his Facebook account, showing the two youths with the crumpled tarpaulin. 

"May hinahanap ako...mga kabataang nagsisira ng tarpaulin na nakuhaan ng video. Kung may nakakakilala sa kanila, pakisabihan na hinahanap ko sila (I'm looking for someone...young people who are destroying a tarpaulin that was caught on video. If anyone knows them, please let me know that I'm looking for them),” wrote Biazon on Facebook. 

The two male youths with the tarpaulin (Screenshots from Mayor Biazon's video on Facebook)

On the same day, Biazon said the two violators went to his office. 

“Humarap sa akin ang mga kabataan na involved sa pagtanggal/pagsira ng billboard ng isang kumakandidato sa ating lungsod. Dumating sila sa opisina ko noong araw mismo na nagpost ako na hinahanap ko sila. Gusto ko lamang sila mapagsabihan na huwag magpapagamit sa kahit sinong tao sa mga gawain na nakakasira ng katahimikan at kaayusan ng pulitika sa ating lungsod (The young people involved in the removal/destruction of a billboard of a candidate in our city came to me. They came to my office the same day that I posted that I was looking for them. I just want to tell them not to let anyone use them in activities that disrupt the peace and political order in our city),” the mayor said. 

He added, “Yung mga gawain na paninira o pagtanggal ng mga election-related materials ay nagdudulot ng pagtaas ng tensyon sa pulitika dahil natutulak ang  iba't ibang panig na mag-react at magkainitan. Minsan, mga tauhan lang naman ang mga gumagawa nito, tapos sila-sila din ang nagkakainitan. Meron din na yung mga namumuno mismo ang nagkakainitan (Those activities that destroy or remove election-related materials cause increased political tension because they instigate different parties to react and get heated. Sometimes, it's just the staff who do it, and then they get heated. There are also leaders who end up fighting).” 

The two male youths in the office of Muntinlupa Mayor  Ruffy Biazon (Photos from Mayor Biazon's Facebook account)

Muntinlupa City Ordinance No. 06-092 (Photo from Mayor Biazon's Facebook account)

Biazon said as mayor, he will do anything to ensure peace during the election period. 

He said it’s up to the parties involved if it wants to file a complaint against the two violators. 

“Sinabihan ko ang mga kabataang ito na mag-focus na lang sa kanilang pag-aaral o trabaho at tumulong na lang sa pagpapanatili ng kapayapaan.  Bahala na ang mga partidong involved kung may gustong magsampa ng reklamo sa nararapat na venue, tutal yan ay personal property (I told these young people to just focus on their studies or work and help maintain peace. It is up to the parties involved if anyone wants to file a complaint at the appropriate venue, since it is personal property),” he said. 

He reminded the public about City Ordinance No. 06-092 which prohibits putting up billboards or posters without any permit.