60 street kids rescued in Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines - The Caloocan City government rescued yesterday at least 60 street children as part of its special operations aimed at resolving the problem of substance abuse among the neglected youth.

Mayor Enrico Echiverri said the rescued children would be referred to the Tahanang Mapagpala and the Social Development Center in Bagumbong, two local government-funded institutions tasked to provide neglected children with rehabilitation and social adjustment, education “and a new chance in life.”

He earlier directed Jimmy Castro, head of the local government social welfare department, to rescue street children, mendicants and vagrants, along major roads and public places “for their own safety and for the safety of motorists” after a “surveillance committee” confirmed that many of them were involved in substance abuse.

Echiverri said some of them would be endorsed to their respective families or barangay leaders, while the two rescued adults will undergo community service at the social adjustment centers and would only be released after they promise not to return to the streets.

Castro said rescued children who are residents of Malabon City, Manila, Quezon City and Bulacan were endorsed to their respective local officials. – Jerry Botial, Pete Laude