‘Batang hamog’ admits to throwing stones at cars in Quezon Avenue tunnel

A "batang hamog", or street child, admitted on Thursday to throwing stones at passing cars at the Quezon Avenue tunnel in Quezon City but insisted that she and her friends only did it after they were almost run over.

 

"Kasi po sasagsaan po kami ng kotse kagabi tapos hinabol po namin. Pagka-habol po namin, binato po namin ng mga bato," 'Michelle' confessed in a "24 Oras" report aired Thursday.

 

The Quezon City Police District warned motorists on Wednesday of street children throwing stones at vehicles and urged victims to immediately report the incidents.

 

"Michelle" and her 10-year-old friend "Tan-Tan" were gathered with other children at the center island in EDSA - North Avenue sniffing solvents when they were caught by watchmen at midnight.

 

"Tan-Tan" said they bought solvents with money from begging on the streets.

 

Brgy. Bungad Deputy Ex-O Amor Gopez said the children keep returning to their spots despite being turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

 

"Dati nakahuli kami diyan anim, apat. Gabi-gabi 'yun. Tinuturn-over namin sa DSWD kaso after three days andito nanaman," Gopez said.

 

Social Welfare Secretary Dinky Soliman commented on Thursday that parents need to keep a closer eye on their children.

 

"Wala tayong batas na nagbibigay ng parusa sa mga magulang na pabaya... Ito [Mandaluyong City Ordinance No. 538] ang aking nakikitang magandang sundan kasi meron din silang curfew sa mga bata. Kaya makikita mo na mas madalas itong mga batang hamog sa area ng Makati, Manila, at Quezon [cities]," Soliman told GMA's "News To Go".

 

Under Mandaluyong City Ordinance No. 538 or the Code of Parental Responsibility, parents will have criminal liability for neglecting their child or failing to perform their duties as parents.

 

They may face a maximum fine of P5,000 and jail time of up to one year, based on the number of offenses or community service equivalent to their fine if they cannot pay. — Rie Takumi/JDS, GMA News