3 former 'solvent boys' now volunteers ensuring health protocols are observed in Divisoria

Three former "solvent boys" in Manila have taken the COVID-19 pandemic as an opportunity to change their lifestyle for the better.

In a tweet, Super Radyo dzBB's Isa Avendano-Umali said Ralph Acebedo, Jamil Malicad and John Jovert Apigo have become volunteers assisting authorities in implementing health protocols in Divisoria.

"Solvent boys" refers to street kids usually seen on the streets snorting glue.

According to Police Master Sergeant Gerry Tubera of Dagupan Police Community Precinct, which once arrested the three, they welcome the three youths' intention to change their life for the better.

PANOORIN: Ayon kay Police Master Sgt. Gerry Tubera ng Dagupan PCP, sina Acebedo, Malicad at Apigo ay nahuli nila noon dahil sa pagso-solvent. Pero nagbagong-buhay at nag-boluntaryong tumulong. @dzbb pic.twitter.com/QUvjswUChZ

— Isa Avendaño-Umali (@Isa_Umali) August 13, 2020

"Ang sabi kasi nila matapos nilang makalaya, nag-serve ng sentence sila,  sabi nila, Sir, puwede ba kaming bumalik dito? Sabi ko nasa sa inyo naman 'yan. Kung babalik kayo dito ay malaking bagay sa amin iyan kasi makakatulong kayo," Tubera said.

"Nung nakalaya nga sila, nagulat na lang kami, andiyan sila, bumalik. Sabi, Sir magsisimula na po kami. Syempre sino ba naman kami para di sila tanggapin?" he added. —KBK, GMA News