By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA

The Bacolod City government has urged business establishments not to sell volatile substances to minors after a viral video showed a group of minors sniffing solvent along North Capitol Road.

City Administrator Mark Steven Mayo said the incident has become the city government’s major concern, as minors were seen abusing volatile substances, despite the enforcement of City Ordinance No. 328.

“We are also wondering how they are able to access these volatile substances,” he said.

Under City Ordinance No. 328, commercial establishments are required to obtain written consent or permission from the parent or guardian of a minor before selling such substances, such as rugby, solvents, paint thinner, acetone, gasoline, and kerosene.

“We will call the attention of the Business Permits and Licensing Division to remind business establishments of the strict enforcement of the ordinance,” Mayo said.

Authorities have observed that some children at risk who stay on the streets and engage in solvent sniffing have also been involved in criminal incidents in the city.

“We will tighten our regulations, and we will determine whether there have been violations on the part of business establishments. If violations are found, the BPLO will deal with them accordingly,” Mayo said.

Earlier, at least 17 children at risk were rescued by the Department of Social Services and Development from various areas of the city.

Some of them were reportedly engaged in solvent sniffing./MAP, WDJ