2 teens who harassed balloon vendor face raps

MANILA, Philippines — Criminal charges will be filed against two of the seven pranksters who injured a vendor after setting his balloons on fire in Pandacan, Manila last week, police said yesterday.

Ivan Matematico, 19, and Dranreb Colon, 18, were presented by Mayor Isko Moreno during a press conference at the city hall.

Moreno described the teenagers, who are members of True Life gang, as “bullies.”

He believes that the prank pulled off by the suspects was part of the group’s initiation rites.

Manila Police District director Brig. Gen. Bernabe Balba said charges of serious physical injuries, alarm and scandal and violation of Republic Act 7610 or the special protection of children against abuse, exploitation and discrimination act would be filed against the suspects.

Five minors were spared from the cases, but will undergo counseling at the local social welfare department.

A viral video shows Oliver Rosales, 29, sleeping near the barangay hall in Pandacan when the teenagers lit his balloons.

The minors fled as soon as the balloons ignited.

Rosales was seen in the video struggling to put out the fire.