60 minors rescued from streets in 4 hrs

CEBU, Philippines — The Women and Children’s Protection Desk of the Cebu City Police Office rescued at least 60 minors from the streets in four hours from Thursday night to Friday dawn.

Most of the children were involved in begging for alms, said Senior Insp. Arieza Otida.

She said the children were referred to the Department of Social Welfare and Development but those between ages two to 15, which were most of the children, had to be returned to their parents.

Otida described the situation as a “vicious cycle” because the children would eventually go back to begging in the streets because their parents could not provide for their basic needs.

She said that under Republic Act 7610, an act providing for stronger deterrence for protection of children against abuse and exploitation, parents can be charged for neglect.

But parents also argue that no one will fend for their children if they get arrested.

“Mao sad, kung dakpon nato, wala sad magpakaon sa ilang mga anak… mu-end up balik gihapon sa kadalanan, so ang ato lang gyud is prevention nga dili sila ma-take advantaged,” Otida said.

She said children in the streets are referred to as Children At Risk (CAR) as they are most vulnerable to lawless elements.

They may be enticed to sell and run illegal drugs and/or follow examples they see in their immediate environments, such as committing crimes like theft, robbery, and burglarizing.

If the children commit heinous crimes like murder and homicide, they will be considered Children in Conflict with the Law.

Cebu City Police Director Royina Garma called on the city government to provide shelter to children rescued from the streets.

“Magiging worst generation of criminals talaga ang mga bata na iyan kapag hindi naagapan. What they see in their immediate environment na ginagawa ng mga nakakatanda such as yung pagnakaw, yan din yun ang gagawin,” Garma said.

To kick off its observance of National Children’s Month on Monday, CCPO will hold seminars targeted to parents and guardians of children. — JMO (FREEMAN)