CAGAYAN de Oro City — A viral video showing police personnel apprehending a young skateboarder at the Misamis Oriental Provincial Capitol Grounds on Oct. 17 has renewed calls for a dedicated skatepark where local skaters can practice safely.
Youth advocates say the lack of designated facilities pushes skateboarders to use public spaces that may not be suitable or authorized for the sport.
Capitol incident
Cagayan de Oro Skateboarding Association President Garren Garrido urged authorities to handle skateboarders through guidance rather than physical aggression following the incident.
Garrido said the alleged use of excessive force, including a chokehold, was unwarranted. He called on authorities to treat young skaters with respect.
“Skateboarding is not a crime,” Garrido said.
He advised skaters to temporarily avoid the Capitol grounds to prevent further conflict and asked site managers to install clear signs if skateboarding is prohibited.
Capitol rules
Misamis Oriental Provincial Administrator Ruel Gayoso said the provincial government had not imposed a blanket ban on skateboarding but was regulating the activity at the Capitol because the grounds were not designed for it.
Gayoso said the intervention was intended to prevent accidents and protect students using the park for school activities, as well as other visitors.
Meanwhile, Misamis Oriental Police Provincial Office Director Col. Al Abanales confirmed that an internal investigation was underway to determine whether the officers followed standard procedures during the Oct. 17 incident.
Skatepark proposal
Garrido said a dedicated facility would help prevent similar conflicts by giving skateboarders a designated place to practice and develop their skills.
He urged the city and provincial governments to speed up plans for a skatepark at the city's Eco-park in Zayas, which has been proposed with a budget of ₱6 million and an area of 600 to 800 square meters.
The project has faced delays because of methane gas concerns at the former eco-park landfill.
During an initial push to fast-track the project in August, Patrick U. Gabutina, project manager of Hapsay Sapa and Project Lunhaw, said the team planned to implement the proposed improvements before the end of the year.
Pending requirements
City council members approved a motion in August to speed up technical documentation and bidding for the project while retaining required legal and environmental checks.
Councilor Yvy Beja Emano said the project still needed to go through the necessary processes, including clearances from the City Planning Office, the Comprehensive Land Use Plan committee and the City Legal Office.
Council Committee on Sports Chair Kenneth John D. Sacala said joint site inspections involving city engineers and youth officers would help finalize the plans.
Local skateboarders continue to await a permanent venue as authorities review the Capitol incident and the proposed skatepark moves through the required procedures.
