BACOLOD City Councilor Caesar Distrito said the Police Station 2 has been directed by Senior Superintendent Jack Wanky, former city police director, to act appropriately on the apparent blatant use of “rugby” (solvent) by street children especially in front of a food chain on Lacson Street.
The City Council had earlier approved a resolution urging the City Government through the Department of Social Services and Development, Bacolod City Police Office, and Office of the City Mayor to urgently act on the rampant and blatant use of “rugby” by some street children and to create measures in curtailing the same.
He said it is the aim of the City Government to promote a sound and conducive community for its citizens, particularly the children.
Distrito said Bacolod has been cited for several times as a child-friendly city and to protect such distinction, the City Government has to address and get rid of areas being flocked by numerous street children who are not just asking for alms from other people but also blatantly using “rugby.”
These street children are usually found in the streets of the downtown area, Bacolod Public Plaza going to the Reclamation Area, Lacson Street near Capitol Lagoon, and La Salle Avenue, including along B.S. Aquino Drive, where they freely move around and disturb and threaten passersby.
They should be immediately rescued by concerned agencies to take them away from the consequences that they may face if they continue to stay on the streets and use “rugby,” Distrito added.