DILG exec: Bacolod needs program for street children

THE undersecretary for Public Safety of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) asked the Bacolod City officials to initiate a program for street children.

DILG Undersecretary for Public and Safety Jesus Hinlo Jr. said a program for street children or giving them shelter is important.

He added that street children have the potential to become future criminals if no one cared for them.

“For now, they are protected by law and we cannot put them in prison, but when they reach 18 and continue to be misguided, these children could potentially become criminals. They can harm us, steal your property, rape your relatives, and murder you,” Hinlo said.

Hinlo cited the street children staying along Lacson Street.

“It is not enough for us to look at them and feel pity for them. Bacolod City is the center of Negros Occidental and they usually come here,” Hinlo said.

He said if the city doesn’t have shelter, they can bring them to the girls or boys home.

Hinlo appealed to the city officials to make Bacolod a leader in giving special attention to the street children and to reform them with the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, City Health Office, and Department of Education.

“The only problem is if their parents do not take care of them anymore. Don’t allow them to stay on the streets. I hope we will have a program to help them,” Hinlo said.

If the parents are uncooperative, authorities can file charges against them for violation of Republic Act 9262 or the Anti-Violence against Women and Their Children Act of 2004. (MAP)