Moreno warns parents to keep minor kids off streets

MANILA, Philippines — Manila Mayor Isko Moreno on Tuesday warned the parents of minors found loitering in the streets of Manila that they would be held liable for neglect.

“I’m calling on all parents of minors who let your children roam the streets and sniff solvent and hang out on Avenida [Rizal], Taft Avenue, one way or another, I will find a way of holding you responsible for your neglect,” Moreno, speaking in Filipino, said in a press conference.

It should not be a big deal for parents, before they go to bed, to check out if their minor children are already at home, he said. And if they find someone missing, then they should report it right to barangay officials or the police.

“I know it’s challenging to raise children. That’s true. We all have gone through that. But to let your children wander in the streets, without caring, I think it won’t be wrong if I have a serious talk with the parents of these kids,” he said.

Moreno said, however, that Manila authorities would continue to apprehend wayward minors as part of their duty.

“I think there is what you called moral obligation for the parents,” he said. “But in the local government, we will continue our operations, our lawful duty.”

Moreno made these statements after being asked what happened to the so-called “solvent boys” who roam Rizal Avenue and Taft Avenue.

According to Moreno, there were still some found loitering, but he said that he had already ordered authorities to nab minors who would be found inhaling solvent so that they could be transferred to Manila Boystown Complex for proper intervention.

/atm