Kids ‘outrun’ adults, evade ‘rescue operation’

CEBU, Philippines - Over 30 minors and young adults allegedly involved in illegal activities were able to evade the “rescue operation” of the Cebu City Government last Friday night.

This was disclosed by Cebu Environmental Sanitation and Enforcement Team (CESET) head Grace Luardo, who joined the operation with other city officials as well as the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council.

“Duna g’yu’y resistance sa atong pag-rescue nila. In fact, dunay nakadagan nga ubay-ubay g’yud kay mga batan-on pa lagi so   mga kusog kaayo makasibat. Ngitngit man pod gud ang area, basin og nakabantay nga dunay nagpadulong, naka-ikyas g’yud,” she said.

Last Friday, the city government headed by Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella, who chairs PCAC, rescued at least 43 minors.

Aside from CESET, the operation was done with members of the Cebu City Police Office, the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services, barangay officials, tanods, and a team from the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement, among others.

Of the 43 minors, whose ages range from six to 17 years old, DSWS head Dr. Ester Concha said, 30 were boys and 13 were girls. The boys were temporarily housed at the city’s community scouts while the girls were placed at CESET’s office.

“Atong gipakaon ang mga bata, gikaligo,  ug gihatagan og sinina. Atong gi-profile sila. We will talk with the parents of those below 15 years old then atong ihatod sa ilaha kay dunay dili taga-Cebu City. We will also file case if there is a need sa 15 years old above and below 18 years old,” said Concha.

Labella said the ages of the children rescued should be verified first since there might be some who are not telling their real age.

The kids were rescued after most of them were caught sniffing rugby under the bridge in Mahiga Creek.

Authorities have confiscated knives, illegal substance believed to be shabu and rugby, among others.

Labella has ordered PROBE to clear the shanties built under the bridge to prevent the minors from occupying it.

“Sa atong pagkuha nila,  duna g’yu’y gabarag-barag pa pagkuha sa mga pulis. Duna pa’y epekto sa rugby. Dunay nakuha knives duna sad packs of believed to be shabu nga tua karon gipa-inventory sa CCPO,” he said.

Citing Republic Act 9344, Labella said DSWS could file cases against those who are found to be 15 years old and above, if they did illegal activities with discernment.

Also, Labella said he will call the parents of these children for possible violation of RA 7610 or the Special Protection of Children against Abuse, Exploitation, and Discrimination Act.

“Ato na sad instraksyonan atong chief of police (Marciano) Batiancela nga butangan nato in the meantime og police aron aduna ta’y sustainability nga dili na mamalik kanang dinha sa ilawm sa tulay together with the barangay tanod nga magbantay dili na sila mamalik dinha,” he said.

Labella said the city government will never stop until they get rid of the problem on street children. —  (FREEMAN)