Brgy officials to keep kids away from internet shops

Earphones on, eyes on the monitor and fingers planted on the keyboard, everyone seemed to be minding their own business in a barangay Centro, Mandaue City internet shop.

Jason, 13, who is seated at the far end of a row of computers in the internet shop appeared to be intensely involved with what he was doing. He was playing the popular online game Dota (Defense of the Ancients).

When asked by Cebu Daily News how long he has been playing computer games, he said since he was Grade 4.

This Monday, Jason will be an incoming freshman at the Mandaue City Comprehensive High School.

“Malingaw ko sa mga games sa computers,” he told CDN. (I enjoy playing computer games.)

When asked if he will still indulge computer games when classes start, he said he values his studies and will not cut classes just to play the game.

He added that his parents know about his fondness for computer games and he asks permission from them everytime he goes out to play.

Resty Lazar, 30, an internet attendant for five years in the internet shop said that when school opens next week, they will not admit students during class hours as they are aware that a city ordinance prohibits it.

The Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) has agreed to strictly enforce the city ordinance that prohibits students and minors from using the services of internet shops during school hours and after 10 p.m.

Members of the barangay police will be mobilized to be on the lookout for violators of the ordinance.

Mandaue City ABC president and Subangdaku barangay captain Ernie Manatad said internet cafes violating the ordinance will be given up to three warnings. On the 4th offense, the internet shop will face cancellation of its business permit.

Minors who will be caught will be brought to the Barangay Hall and their parents or guardians will be asked to fetch them.

Meanwhile, Mayor Jonas Cortes has also asked the ABC to help the city government enforce the 10 p.m. curfew for minors.

Manatad on the other hand appealed to parents to closely monitor the whereabouts of their children, saying that the problem with children cutting classes to play online computer games is not just a problem that needs action from the government, but needs the support of parents and the community at large.