DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/18 May) — Despite the city winning a child-friendly award, Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte still had harsh words to say to juvenile delinquents when asked what he would do if they were found in schools.
Speaking at Sunday’s episode of Gikan sa Masa, Para sa Masa, Duterte warned he would “break the legs” of these wrongdoings if they get arrested by the police during school days.
“Martilyo akong gamiton (I’ll use a hammer),” he said, adding he would include the parents if they complain.
“Ayaw mo pag istambay diha. Yung mga bata na ayaw mangiskwela, bums as they are called, do not mingle with the students there,” Duterte said.
He said juvenile delinquents should avoid schools altogether if they have no plans of attending classes and that they should not bother students.
The mayor made the comment in light of preparations being made for the opening of classes next month by the Department of Education (DepEd).
The city received its second presidential citation as one of the most child-friendly cities in the highly urbanized category, along with Pasig, Cagayan de Oro, Bacolod and Puerto Princesa.
The city is aiming for a third win to get into a hall of fame status, according to City Administrator Melchor Quitain.
City Social Services and Development Office head Maria Luisa Bermudo said the city was cited for its House of Hope that houses children cancer patients and other child-friendly projects.
In an interview, Bermudo said the child-friendly status extends to the barangay level, with the village councils crafting local ordinances such as daycare centers and youth programs to take care of minors. (MindaNews)