Manila gov't to ‘rescue’ street carolers during holiday season

As the Christmas season draws near, authorities from the Manila Department of Social Welfare announced they will be rescuing street carolers, especially those hopping on and off jeeps or other public vehicles, which exposes the children to danger.

The rescued children will be be brought to the City Reception Action Center to be fetched by their parents.

In various parts of Manila such as Malate and Baclaran, kids often climb into jeeps, sing Christmas songs and pass an envelope around so that commuters can drop money in it.

"Hindi pwede pinapauso ngayon na magkakaroling sa jeep. Aakyat tas bababa ng jeep eh kung pagbaba mabundol ng susunod na sasakyan?" Asuncion Fugoso, the Director of the Manila Department of Social Welfare, said, in a "24 Oras" report by Cecille Villarosa.

Fugoso emphasized that caroling in jeeps is dangerous as this makes the children prone to accidents.

She also advised commuters to refrain from handing money to the caroling kids.

Fugoso reminded the public that there was an ordinance that parents of the children would take sole responsibility in ensuring the welfare and safety of their kids.

The department added that children can still conduct caroling activities in the community, but they still must be accompanied by adults.

In Manila, there is an existing curfew for the carollers. All of the children must be in their homes at 10 PM. —Angelica Yang/LDF, GMA News