City to ‘clear’ bridges of rugby boys

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government will be “reaching out” to minors, particularly “rugby boys” living under the bridges in barangays Ma-bolo and Banilad following calls for assistance from barangay officials.

Accompanied by social workers, the city through the Police Coordinating and Advisory Council will round up rugby boys usually sniffing rugby or hiding under bridges after committing petty crimes.

“The Police Coordinating and Advisory Council decided to conduct surprise reaching out to prevent these minors from using prohibited solvent at the same time to address the complaints from nearby establishments where these minors are being exploited as snatchers by matured individuals,” said Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella.

Labella, who also chairs the PCAC, said the rescued minors will then be placed under the care of the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services to assess what appropriate intervention can be extended to them.

According to Labella, a lot of minors are found sniffing rugby under bridges, which have become their living quarters and haven for other illegal activities.

“Ini’g gukod ana nila, manago dayon na sila didto sa ilawom mao nang kinahanglan ang ilawom atong i-clear,” he said.

The city also plans to clear the area under the bridge of shanties after the round up operation.

It was agreed during yesterday’s meeting that barangay tanods and policemen will be deployed to monitor bridges for 24 hours.

As per report, most of the city’s street kids or children in conflict with the law come from nearby provinces. These children suffer from domestic problems, which have prompted them to abandon their homes, said Labella. —  May B. Miasco/NSA (FREEMAN)