By CESAR JOLITO III
At least 27 children were rescued by the Bacolod City Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) from various situations of neglect, street exposure and risk conditions from January to April.
DSSD head Dr. Richelle Mangga said out of the 27 minors, 17 were placed in residential or institutional care facilities, while the rest were turned over to relatives deemed capable of providing care.
Among those rescued was an infant whose parents were reportedly living on the streets, prompting immediate intervention from authorities.
Authorities also noted that four of the rescued minors were found to have been involved in rugby (inhalant) sniffing, highlighting ongoing concerns about substance exposure among street-connected youth.
A nine-year-old boy from Barangay Singcang was rescued during a routine anti-mendicancy operation after authorities observed him engaging in inhalant use.
Officials said the child was immediately taken under protective care for assessment and appropriate intervention.
Mangga said authorities may step in and assume protective custody when evidence shows that children are being neglected or abandoned, including the possible suspension of parental authority when warranted by law.
Strengthening intervention for ‘children at risk’
The Department of Social Welfare and Development continues to strengthen its intervention programs for children classified as “at risk,” particularly those exposed to street living and substance abuse.
Mangga emphasized the crucial role of barangay officials in monitoring and reporting cases of children staying on the streets, noting that early identification is key to timely intervention.
The social services office is also conducting counseling sessions for parents as part of rehabilitation efforts aimed at addressing family issues that contribute to child neglect.
According to Mangga, one of the recurring factors behind children leaving their homes is the lack of security and stable support systems within their households.
The city’s anti-mendicancy and social welfare teams are also conducting “street education” activities to encourage children to return to school and prevent further exposure to urban hazards./CJ, WDJ