For almost five months, Chief Insp. Michael Anthony Bastes has been like a father to 13 street children, providing them their basic needs and sending them to school.
But after Bastes’ transfer from the Fuente police precinct to the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), the 13 street children couldn’t help but worry over their future.
“Hala, wa na si Papa? Di na mi ka-eskwela ani,” said a 9-year-old boy when told of Bastes’ relief.
Bastes and three other policemen were transferred to the CCPO while the death of a theft suspect is still being investigated.
Jovan Tejano, 32, was found unconscious inside a mini-cell for females at the Fuente police precinct on Friday dawn. He was declared dead when brought to the Cebu City Medical Center.
Tejano was badly beaten by bystanders and anti-crime volunteers who arrested him in barangay Sambag II.
Tejaon was kept in a mini-cell for females for his protection after police found out he was gay.
Police said Tejano was caught by a security camera breaking inside a house where he allegedly took items like Oakley sunglasses and expensive platters.
Last February, Bastes, as chief of the Fuente police, started a program in which street children are given food and clothes apart from sending them to school.
“Wa nay mohatag namo og bawon,”said another boy.
Five of the 13 street children fought back tears while being interviewed.
Bastes, however, assured that his replacement Insp. Stanley Sabang will continue the program that he initiated.
Using his personal money, Bastes said he would continue helping the children and will visit them once in a while.
Some of the 13 children who are homeless are allowed to sleep at the precinct.
Bastes said he gives the children P10 each as school allowance and would spend P200 a day for their breakfast and another P100 for their snacks.
For dinner, the street children are fed with leftovers from the catering business of Bastes’ wife.
Bastes said he would bring the children in their early-morning jogging and lead them to church afterwards.