Authorities have rescued nearly 30 minors and adults found wandering and begging on the streets of Cagayan de Oro City.

Members of the Regulatory Compliance Board (RCB) and personnel from the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office launched an operation to address the continuing problem of street dwellers in the city.

During the operation, authorities rescued 13 adults and 15 minors who were found wandering the streets and begging for alms.

Some individuals were also found living underneath a bridge.

Authorities added that some of those rescued were carrying solvent, raising concerns over possible solvent abuse.

“Ang akong tan-aw ang uban ani gagamiton bitaw sa mga dagko ingon ana ba kay tungod lagi aning below 15 walay murag walay criminal liability o unsa ba diha so posible ingon ana akong duda, kining mga adults posible sab nga of course basin wala gyud paignan so diha na lang sa dalan,” RCB Head, Atty. Edgardo Uy, said.

RCB expressed support for the City Council's ongoing review of the ordinance regulating the sale of solvents.

Authorities said stricter penalties should be imposed on stores that sell solvents indiscriminately, as these products are reportedly being used for illegal and harmful activities.

The rescued individuals were turned over to the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) for intervention.

“Makagamit na mangharrass na mulabay, mangayo, manguhit, manghawid, mang-isnatch muna ang delikado makadaot gyud,” Uy added.