RCB team rescues 41 minors

By LITO RULONA
Correspondent .

A TOTAL of 41 minors have been rescued in the recent three consecutive operations of the Regulatory and Complaint Board (RCB) in several internet cafes and computer shops in the city.

This was disclosed by City Legal Office representative Antonio Resma, Jr. that they have conducted a series of rescue operations to determine internet cafes and shops that violated the existing ordinance number 13394-2018, otherwise known as Cagayan de Oro City Comprehensive Children’s Welfare Code of 2018.

He said after the series of rescue operations, members of the board would be conducting consultative meeting to discuss situational report on the several cases that they have encountered.

“I-evaluate ang each case on how severe ang mga violations, possible next move is imposition of fines, or recommend for closure of business establishments,” he added.

The recent rescue operation is that RCB personnels were able to rescue six minors inside Internet Cafes in Barangay Carmen last Friday afternoon.

The RCB Inspectorate Team, comprised of personnel from the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children of Barangay Carmen and Women and Children’s Protection Desk of the Cagayan de Oro City Police Office PS4, has successfully conducted the rescue operation.

Initial report disclosed that the three minors were allegedly late for class and the school did not permit them to enter the school premises, thus they opted to stay at the internet cafe. While the remaining three allegedly went over the school fence and intentionally cut classes to play computer games.

Resma said local officials of both schools were contacted and the students were properly returned to their respective schools.

“Notice of violations were issued to the business establishments,” he added.

In line with the celebration of the National Children’s Month, the Regulatory and Complaint Board strengthens its campaign on the regulation of internet cafes as provided under City Ordinance No. 13394-2018, otherwise known as the Cagayan de Oro City Comprehensive Children’s Welfare Code of 2018.

Minors are not allowed to play computer or video games from 7:00 am to 3:00 pm during school days, and internet café owners are prohibited from allowing children to access pornographic sites, nor be engaged in any pornographic activities through the internet.