At least 80 people rounded up in start of "Oplan Amuma"

CEBU, Philippines – Around 80 rugby boys, ambulant vendors and sidewalk dwellers were rounded up by the police last Monday night in response to the city government's initiative to beautify the city.

City Police Director Senior Supt. Melvin Ramon Buenafe said all 11 police stations under CCPO participated in the activity. Those rounded up, mostly minors, were brought to the police stations where they were fed and made to stay temporarily.

Yesterday morning, some of the children were turned over to their parents while the rest were turned over to their respective barangays.

Buenafe said rounding up these kids would lessen cases of petty crimes, especially that some of them were found to have previous police records.

Asked how long the operation would last, Buenafe said they will continue until the city's streets are clear.

"Kung pagkaon lang, daghan ta'ng ikahatag kay nakig-coordinate man ta sa city government ani. We are just here to support," Buenafe said.

Buenafe said further a component of the program is to introduce livelihood opportunities like teaching them how to cut hair and providing them with education like ba-sic English and Mathematics.

"This program is not only para kunin sila. We will keep on trying nga matagaan sila og kaayuhan," Buenafe said. (FREEMAN)