CCPO probes ‘use’ of children in Carbon conflict

CEBU, Philippines —  The Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has opened its own investigation into the ‘use’ of children as human shield during the altercation between vendors at the Carbon Market and personnel of the city government putting up metal railings in the area.

Councilor Joel Garganera has ordered the local police and other agencies to find out who was responsible for involving the children in the conflict.

“So far, as far as I am concerned wala pa tay nadawat nga request, but nevertheless, with the pronouncement of City Councilor Garganera, we will coordinate with the CSWD to conduct a joint investigation on this matter because we have to determine man gud sa violition sa mga bata if they have joined voluntarily or they were forced,” said Police Lt. Colonel Janett Rafter, chief of the operations branch of CCPO.

Regardless of the result of the investigation, Rafter said they will have to put intervention in place with the parents of the children.

“We have to discourage them in using their kids, especially nga gagmayng mga bata, kasi kini nga pagkagubot, dili ni maayo’ng lantawon sa mga bata. Aside from that, the safety sa mga bata nga maipit, nga daghang tawo… so whatever the result of the investigation, as we go along, as I have said, we still have to conduct an intervention,” she said.

Rafter said they will summon individuals identified at the site to help identify the children spotted during the incident.

Rafter reminded parents to make the safety of their children a priority.

“Sa atong katilingban, not only in that area, I would just like to make an appeal kay kita mga ginikanan man gyud ta… let’s also consider the safety sa atong mga anak. While we have our own opinion, let us also consider, atong ibutang atong mga anak sa pinakataas na importansya,” she said.

Earlier, the Commission of Human Rights opened its own investigation into the incident, which was captured by video and posted on social media. The video showed vendors resisting the installation of metal railings in front of their stalls and pushing against personnel of the city government.

The installation of the railings was part of a road widening project.

The city police have deployed personnel in the area to maintain peace and order. – JMO (FREEMAN)