Cops rescue two minors in Mango

CEBU, Philippines -  Police on Tuesday evening rescued two "homeless" minors seen roaming around Mango Avenue in Cebu City only to find out in a background check that they were actually still living with their families.

In a phone interview, Fuente Police Station commander Inspector Wildemar Tiu said his men were able to rescue the two minor boys, both around 14 years old, roaming around the area past 10 o'clock that night.

One of them alleged that he no longer has a family or a place to stay, however, it was found out in a background investigation by the Women's and Children's Protection Desk that the two live in Barangay T. Padilla with their respective families.

Tiu said Tuesday's rescue was part of his directive to clear Mango Avenue of minors during the night, especially that most of the establishments in the area are bars and disco houses.

He added that he only wanted to protect the safety of the minors loitering around and who should already be sleeping at that time.

Tiu warned parents that if the police see a minor selling something in the streets at night, they will rescue them from the streets and will be filing charges against the parents, citing the activity as a form of child exploitation.

"As much as possible, I want to save them because I see them as potential people who will commit crime in the future," Tiu said.

He also said once the child has been rescued, they will not be released instantly unless the parents show up in the station.

Tiu said his team is conducting regular rescue operations in Mango Avenue after receiving orders from Cebu City Police Office director Senior Superintendent Noli Romana.

Romana is holding regular rounds in the city's party destinations, especially during weekends, to make sure that no minors are roaming around the city and allowed inside bars and pubs.

The Cebu City Council already passed City Ordinance 1786, regulating the activities of minors at night.

The ordinance prohibits minors from loitering in the streets from 10 p.m. to 4 a.m. and allows authorities to arrest minors in the streets.  (FREEMAN)