Three minors in viral Bacolod video taken into custody

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY – Three minors aged 13 to 15 were placed under protective custody Thursday after a viral video allegedly showed them intimidating children and patrons at a fast-food outlet on Gatuslao Street here.

A concerned parent posted the video online, claiming one of the minors threatened her daughter’s companion while wielding a scissor-like object.

The post drew the attention of Mayor Greg Gasataya, who classified the youths as “children at risk” and coordinated with the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) and the Department of Social Services and Development (DSSD) to address the incident.

“With the clamor among parents and children, and given the situation, action was necessary,” Gasataya said during a visit to Police Station 1 to check on the minors’ condition.

DSSD Bacolod head Dr. Richelle Verdeprado-Mangga warned that neglectful parents or guardians could face legal consequences.

“In cases where there is parental negligence, we can take custody while facilitating assistance,” Mangga said. “For those who have already been warned, the state can also initiate actions to teach them a lesson.”

Authorities said the minors include a 13-year-old who had fled from Cadiz City, Negros Occidental, and two street-connected youths from Bacolod.

They are now under DSSD supervision at the Youth Home while assessments continue.

Officials reiterated their commitment to safeguarding child welfare and ensuring public safety.