BACOLOD City – The Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) here will coordinate with officials of Barangay Vista Alegre following the recovery of suspected shabu from an 11-year-old boy.
DSSD head Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga said the identity of the minor is being withheld in accordance with child protection laws.
According to the Police Station 7, two barangay councilmen from Vista Alegre turned over 11 heat-sealed transparent sachets containing a white crystalline substance believed to be shabu, weighing approximately five grams and with an estimated street value of P3,400.
The barangay officials reportedly recovered the items from the minor at around 2:55 p.m. on Tuesday, July 8, at the barangay hall.
Verdeprado-Mangga confirmed that the DSSD only learned of the incident after the barangay officials turned over the suspected illegal drugs to the police. They are currently coordinating with barangay authorities to gather more information and provide necessary interventions.
Christine Treyes, a social worker assigned to the barangay, said that after the turnover of the suspected drugs to the police, the child was released to the custody of his family. However, she noted that the Violence Against Women and Children (VAWC) desk had not yet made direct contact with the child.
Police Captain Dax Santillan, commander of Police Station 7, said they are still awaiting the results of the laboratory examination to confirm whether the substance is indeed illegal.
“As of now, we are waiting for the lab results. If the items are confirmed to be illegal drugs, we will conduct a full investigation,” Santillan said.
Verdeprado-Mangga emphasized that the DSSD will work closely with the barangay social worker to reach out to the child and his family for proper case management and intervention.
“It is our legal and moral obligation to protect children and ensure that their rights are upheld, regardless of the circumstances,” she said.
Cases involving children in conflict with the law in Bacolod City fall under the guidance and management of the DSSD, in coordination with social workers, barangay officials, and other concerned agencies./PN
