3 minors caught for stealing

CEBU, Philippines - Three minors were apprehended after they were caught stealing items from fellow evacuees at Don Carlos A. Gothong Memorial High School, Cebu City yesterday.

School officer-in-charge principal Ma. Elena Labrada said the boys, who were later released from police custody, stole stuff that were also owned by teachers.

“Naa’y mga kawat-kawat mga butang sa maestra ug mga butang sad sa evacuees like mga planggana, sudlanan sa mineral water, water dispenser,” she said.

Since they could not be detained under the law, the minors were later freed and have the items they stole returned to the owners.

Personnel from San Nicolas Police Station as well as barangay tanods were tasked to constantly monitor the school and the evacuees.

 Labrada said at least nine teachers would also facilitate in monitoring the evacuees.

As of yesterday morning, there were already 325 families or at least 2016 individuals who stayed in the said school. The evacuees were from barangays Pasil, Sawang Calero and Suba.

Labrada said only residents of Barangay Pasil were supposed to be evacuated to the school since the city government had assigned evacuation centers in each barangay.

Residents of barangays Suba and Sawang Calero were supposed to stay at Regino Mercado Elementary School.

Marieta Vitor from Barangay Sawang Calero said they opted to stay at Don Carlos because she believes that the school building is stronger and safer than the others.

Labrada said they are still accepting evacuees but only those who are from Barangay Pasil.

At Cebu Technological University gym, the same problem was also encountered as the place supposedly intended only for Barangay Tejero residents was also occupied by those from Barangay San Roque.

Dr. Pilar Romero, chief of the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries assigned to facilitate in the evacuation site, said they did not refuse anybody, though.

“Gidawat, dili ta magbalibad og naa dinha. Mapahimutang lang sila og tarong, tabangan nato sila. They prefer to come here kay mas favorable to come here,” explained Romero.

As of yesterday noon, at least 185 families or 984 individuals have been evacuated in CTU.  (FREEMAN)