The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Negros Oriental is committed to protecting the rights and welfare of the children, an official said yesterday.

Lt. Stephen Polinar, spokesperson of the Negros Oriental Police Provincial Office (NOrPPO), told the Philippine News Agency that it is their responsibility to ensure that the children are safe from abuses and violence.

“Children come from a vulnerable sector where abuses are rampant, and so we have to provide them the security that they need,” he said.

Polinar, who also heads the Provincial Tourism Unit (PTU), highlighted the cooperation of foreigners who are already residents in Dauin town.

On Thursday afternoon, November 20, the PTU, local police and foreigners sponsored a feeding program and gift-giving for about 120 children at an elementary school in Barangay Baslay in Dauin.

Polinar said they hope to do this every year at different schools in vulnerable areas.

The activity is in line with the celebration of National Children’s Month this November.

Meanwhile, NOrPPO staff, led by officer-in-charge provincial director Colonel Criscente Tiguelo, promoted the donning of blue yesterday in support of the #bluekadabiyernes initiative, representing a commitment to enhancing the welfare, protection and rights of Filipino children. (PNA)