In Talisay worried parents of young gang members meet

CEBU, Philippines - To clear up matters, the parents of two boys aged 14 and 16, alleged leaders of a gang in Talisay City, met Monday evening and yesterday morning at the barangay hall of barangay Poblacion with the parents of other children who were recruited by the two juveniles.

The boys allegedly formed the “Bad Boys and Bad Girls” gang and had recruited 20 members whose age range from 7 years old to 13 years old.

Barangay Poblacion chief Teodoro “Balo” Belleza told Banat News (sister publication of The Freeman) yesterday that the gang leaders had told him that new recruits would undergo hazing before becoming full-fledged members.

  He said recruits would usually receive a slap and a kick from the two leaders, forced to engage in a fistfight with other members, and climb coconut trees.

Belleza said he will ask the city social welfare to counsel the children and parents.

He also told the parents to watch over their children.

On other hand, Belleza said he has learned about a report that another gang called “Talisay City Crips” is recruiting new members.

The group allegedly stays at the vicinity of the Santa Teresa de Avila Church in barangay Poblacion in the afternoon until evening, he said.

Belleza said he will investigate the report.

Vice Mayor Alan Bucao, chairman of the peace and order council, told reporters yesterday he will call the attention of city social welfare head Felipa Solana and Association of Barangay Councils president Charles Basillote to verify the report. (FREEMAN)