City Government to summon parents of minors throwing stones at vehicles passing SRP

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City Government will summon the parents of minors caught throwing stones at vehicles passing through the viaduct at the South Road Properties (SRP) last week, following the formation of a special task force.

In a press conference on Monday, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said a task force had already been formed to address the issue and implement preventive measures after reports of the incident surfaced.

According to the Cebu City Public Information Office, a video showing minors throwing stones at vehicles on the SRP viaduct circulated online, sparking public outrage. Garcia said that while several solutions are already in place, one of the primary steps is to closely monitor the area to prevent similar incidents from happening again.

Garcia also confirmed that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) had been instructed to call the attention of the minors’ parents, as those involved have already been identified.

“It always starts there, so mas maayo nga mapatawag sad ang parents to let them know the gravity of the offense of their sons and then hopefully the parents will be with the government in disciplining their children,” said Garcia.

In a separate interview, Raquel Arce, head of the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), said her office had been directed by the City Mayor’s Office to take the lead in addressing the matter. She noted that the task force convened last Wednesday.

The task force includes barangay officials from Pasil, Ermita, and Sawang Calero; officers from the Carbon Police Station and Sawang Calero Police Station; Bantay Dagat; the Philippine Coast Guard; the SRP Patrol; the Department of Social Welfare and Services; and the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, Enhancement (PROBE) team.

Arce reported that two minors were rescued from the group last Friday. They were turned over to their respective barangays and are currently being processed by the DSWD. However, she said the minors have denied their involvement in the incident.

“Ang ila ra kay naligo ra sila, wala man gyud tay nasakpan on the act,” said Arce.

She clarified that the minors were rescued for being present on the viaduct, which is considered a restricted area. As a preventive measure, Arce said the task force has blocked the access roads previously used by the minors to reach the viaduct.

“Unya katong naa ilang gipang butang nga pisi kay didto sila mukatkat, atong gipangputol,” Arce added.

Arce also appealed to parents to take responsibility for their children's discipline.

“Ayaw itugot nga muabot ang panahon nga ang mu disiplina sa inyong mga anak kay laing tawo, kay sakit kaayo na nga bation..but kung kinahanglanon mapugos gyud mig disiplina sa inyong mga anak,” she said.

She further emphasized that parents may be held legally accountable for the actions of their minor children. Arce also advised motorists to stay vigilant when passing through the area, especially in case similar incidents happen again. — (FREEMAN)