EDITORIAL - This Sinulog, crack down on marauding street kids

Millions of pesos have been set aside for the Sinulog this year. But it takes more than just money to ensure the success of the celebration, especially taking into account the fact that as hosts, we will be judged by the world for what we are as a people.

Aside from the money allocated, Mayor Michael Rama has also exhorted Cebuanos to be both hospitable and vigilant. But it takes more than just hospitality and vigilance to ensure that the celebrations are held smoothly.

There is probably no question as to the limits of Cebuanos’ hospitality. We have been quite known for that. There is a little uneasiness, however, when it comes to vigilance, for vigilance alone is not enough.

There are obstacles that stand in the way of the goals set to be achieved by public vigilance. Take for instance the growing notoriety of gangs of small children and pre-teenagers who road city streets to prey mostly on foreigners.

The hands of the authorities are tied by laws that protect these children even if they have clearly committed crimes. Worse, these children themselves are aware that the law is on their side, thus emboldening them to act with growing viciousness and impunity.

The public can be vigilant. But is it enough to shoo these children away? These children have become hardened and street wise. Merely shooing them away does not work. They merely mock those who do not know any better and try to intervene.

So what do we do with these children, as it is certain they will be having a field day during the Sinulog? With thousands of tourists all over the city ripe for the picking by these children, what is the city to do with them.

The government naturally cannot seize and detain for the duration of the celebrations because child welfare laws protect them from any harm or inconvenience. Victims cannot rough them up without running the risk of themselves running afoul with the same laws.

It is no secret that these children have handlers. Maybe it is these handlers that the city should go after. Petty crimes committed by these children may not be so petty if committed with great frequency and in big volumes. Here is a problem that truly needs serious attention.