Fifteen individuals were rescued in Bacolod

In a recent operation led by Mayor Greg Gasataya, the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD)-Anti-Mendicancy Team and the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) rescued 15 minor children, commonly known as "street children" and "rugby boys," from various locations in Bacolod City between August 13, 2025, and August 18, 2025.

The operation, which aimed to protect these vulnerable children, involved the crucial participation of the community through the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga, head of the DSSD, stated that the team patrolled the city every evening to enforce the curfew for minors.

The initial encounter of the team occurred near a mall in Barangay Mandalagan. Three out of the eight rescued children were found at their homes, while the rest were discovered in various locations. Some of the children were found involved in illegal activities, and others were found begging.

Upon rescue, the children were taken to the Youth Home for necessary interventions. Verdeprado-Mangga stated that the team is working with social workers who can assist in case management. She emphasized that placing children in institutions should be a last resort, and the goal is to reintegrate them into their communities and families.

The operation was prompted by a video that surfaced online showing a group of boys harassing a student inside a fast-food chain in Bacolod City's plaza on August 13, 2025. In response, the DSSD-Anti-Mendicancy Team and the BCPO enforced a curfew for minors and provided case management interventions.

Verdeprado-Mangga expressed the desire to break the cycle of minors living on the streets and give them a future. She stated that the first responsibility lies with the children's families, and the community's involvement is crucial in this endeavour.

It's worth noting that the social workers collaborating with the DSSD team and conducting case management interventions are not explicitly named or detailed in the available search results. However, their role is vital in ensuring the successful reintegration of these children into their communities.

City Mayor Greg Gasataya was alarmed by the incident and referred the case to the BCPO for investigation. He expressed concern for the welfare of the children and the safety of the city's residents. The rescued children include four girls, highlighting the need for continued efforts to protect all minors in Bacolod City.