APPREHENDING street carolers is easier said than done.
The Juvenile Justice Law is preventing the police to fully implement the city ordinance against minor carolers in the streets, according to Supt. Arnel Banzon, Deputy City Director for Administration of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO).
Banzon said they have made several apprehensions in the past, but they are forced to release them because they are minors.
Banzon also revealed that they called the parents of these minors to the police station but they could not hold them for a long time because they have other children to feed. Banzon, however, said that those carolers who force or threaten jeepney passengers to give them money must be apprehended. The passengers themselves can effect citizen’s arrest and bring these carolers to the police station.
Banzon said they have deployed more policemen in areas where there are several jeepney carolers which include Carreta, Gen. Maxilom Ave., Osmeña Blvd., Gorordo Ave., P. Del Rosario St. and downtown area.
Banzon also said he will recommend to CCPO director Senior Supt. Noli Romana to revive the holding of gift-giving to street children in the camp during Christmas season./Correspondent Chito O. Aragon