In an act of magnanimity, street artist Venazir Martinez forgave Belimar Badua, a 27-year old tattoo artist who vandalized the murals she was painting at PNR, Marcoville barangay last Oct. 10.
But Badua has to atone for his misdeed in three ways: helping Martinez restore the defaced artwork; collaborate with Martinez in future projects; and become an advocate of cleanliness and orderliness.
The mural project was funded by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts to serve as community art centerpiece.
Martinez’ colleagues said the images in the still unfinished artwork had just been painted when the vandal marred them with graffiti.
Baguio City Police Station 3 Commander Capt. Marnie Abellanida who was tasked by BCPO Director P Col. Allen Rae Co to go after the culprit said they enlisted the help of the barangay led by punong barangay Ruel Casuga in identifying the suspect.
He said witnesses were interviewed and evidences and testimonies pointed to Badua who had been accosted for similar offense in the past,
Badua later admitted the misdeed claiming to be drunk at the time.
During the dialogue Oct.13, Martinez decided not to file a case and allow Badua to make amends in a positive way.
Co however said they are looking at further actions that they can take against the person to serve as a lesson to him and all others engaging in said act of nuisance. – Aileen P. Refuerzo