Authorities rescued 20 minors who were sniffing solvent in the old Mandaue City Public Market in barangay Centro on Tuesday afternoon.
P01 Aisa Gocotano of said they received a report from the mayor’s office that children were sniffing Vulcaseal, a commercial sealant, stored in small plastic packs.
When policemen, barangay tanods and social workers went to the area, the minors aged 9 to 15 were playing. Empty plastic packs that used to hold the cheap glue lay near them.
Some kids were brought to the City Social Welfare Services Office.
Gocotano said most of the children were boys who were repeat offenders. They had been caught before for snatching and theft.
Mandaue City is set to open this year a Center Center for Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) and Children in Need of Protection in October.
Sixty boys currently housed in the CSWS office will be transferred to the center in Dungguan, Basak, Mandaue City.
Another building for females will also be built.
After the rescue operations, authorities saw a 31-year-old man sniffing solvent.
Police arrested Michael Ardo, a resident of Centro.
He will be charged with violation of a city Ordinance that carries a penalty of one month imprisonment and P1,000 fine or both if he’s convicted.