Cops throw party for street kids

CEBU, Philippines - Almost 1,000 kids stayed off the streets yesterday and enjoyed the party thrown for them by the Cebu City Police Office yesterday.

CCPO director Melvin Ramon Buenafe, who conceived the event for the launching of their 16th Police Community Relations month, said they will continue feeding at least 100 street kids until July 31.

“Our objective is to take away street children from being exposed to dangerous situations like in the middle of the streets running around sa mga sidewalks nya nanguot, nangisnat or gagamit og dangerous substances like rugby,” Buenafe said.

Buenafe said the police organization is the one directly affected by the problem of street children.

“The capacity to deal with them is very limited tungod sa existing na balaod (Juvenile Justice Law). So we are trying to be proactive instead. Sabi nga, an ounce of prevention is worth more than a pound of cure,” he added.

Yesterday, the police served the kids a nutritious porridge, ice cream and cotton candy, among others. They were also given balloons and bags of goods and were entertained by two mascots.

In the afternoon, the CCPO’s lobby was converted into a movie area where the kids watched different cartoons.

“So during this time, they are with us. If di ni sila tagaan og attention, they will grow up to become potential criminals,” the police director said.

Buenafe said yesterday’s activity was held with the theme ‘Pangga-on, Amumahon Para dili mahimong Labad ug Badlungon (PAPA-LAB).’

The police director said dealing with kids is also beneficial to them in the CCPO.

“Kay while taking the task of role modeling for the kids, our personnel are also obliged to behave appropriately being exposed to these children who look up to them as big brothers and big sisters,” he said.

Buenafe narrated one time when he stopped at a gasoline station, street kids crowded his window asking for money

“During that time akong gikanta-kantahan sa refrain sa kantang libud suroy, ilang gisumpayan, mga batang bugoy, so there is really a problem. They recognized themselves, bugoy sila. With that we can already see what future they have or asa sila padulong if di tagaan og intervention karon,” he said.

Buenafe said through their “Piso sa Pulis alang sa Libod-Suroy” program, they will feed about 100 street kids everyday for every P500 that they will come up from the contributions of the policemen.

“We are not here to take the responsibilities of the other agencies of the parents of these children, take the problems of the world. We are here because we have to take action since complaints are being presented before us by victims of some crimes that were committed by the street children. If we do not do anything what would people make of us? So ang ato is proactive measures to prevent untoward incidents committed by these children,” Buenafe said.   - (THE FREEMAN)