Briones: Sambag 1 street children

THEY come out of the woodwork. Like clockwork.

They like to prey on the public’s compassion. At least, those who still have it.

In this part of the world, the start of the Christmas season falls on the first of September. So they assume that everyone has gotten with the program.

You know, Christian charity and all.

But what they do now cannot even be described as begging. It’s extortion.

I’m talking about the horde of minors that has invaded the streets of Urgello in Barangay Sambag 1 in Cebu City.

They like to hang out in front of the Royal Pension House. Or in front of the Silogan ni Gian. Which is right across the street.

I know this for a fact because my grandmother’s property is next door.

Someone told me that they’re from Private. That they live in the shanties next to or under the bridge that connects to V. Rama.

I have tried to be very patient. Especially with the little kids. I’m sure this is not the life they want. I’m sure they’d rather be at school and go home to a nice meal and be taken care of by loving parents.

Okay, maybe not so much the school part, but you know what I mean? Who wants to eke out a living on the streets with your peers? To be driven away like stray dogs.

And that’s my dilemma.

I can deal with their screaming. Even when this is laced with profanity. They’re just expressing themselves, or so I like to believe, while I count to 10 so I won’t rush out to berate them. Which I have, on several occasions. But they’d just look at me. As if I were crazy.

I don’t give them money. I do, sometimes, give them food.

I have a no-waste policy in the house so everything in the fridge or in the cupboard must be consumed. Nothing is thrown away.

But I have seen them accept my offering only to throw it away when they thought I wasn’t looking.

Apparently, they’re not into vegetables.

Maybe they’re allergic to Baguio beans or chop suey, or so I tell myself.

You see, I try not to be judgmental.

Hey, maybe these kids are orphans. Maybe their parents are in jail. Or are also eking out an existence on the streets.

They may even be abused. Sexually. Physically. Verbally. Emotionally. You name it.

Again, I don’t think they chose this way of life.

I have been tempted to interview one of the young ones. I want to know their stories. Maybe I’ll do that one of these days.

In the meantime, I pray that they don’t get hurt. Those who cling to the back of jeepneys. Those who run at the sight of patrol cars.

I’m sure the police have been called to get rid of them. But what can they do? They can’t “rescue” all the children. Where will they put them?

With that said, the children cannot continue to accost people for money. To barge into establishments to pester customers. To throw bottles on the streets.

Yet no one dares lift a finger because the law makes sure our hands are tied.

Maybe that’s why Sambag 1 has not addressed the problem.