MANILA, Philippines — More often than not, the US Embassy sends out advisories warning their citizens about circulating in Manila and other urban centers, not to mention hinterlands like Sulu and Basilan where even we natives fear to tread.

After the unfortunate kidnapping of two US nationals in Zamboanga City, the embassy advisory press has been busy. That is to be expected, embassies will do the impossible to protect their citizens. Our own embassies do the same, specially in embattled countries with a lot of Filipino overseas workers.

A recent US advisory has warned Americans about street children in Manila — “juvenile gangs” was the phrase used — who are exploited by organized crime to commit petty thievery in tourist areas. We natives easily spot and avoid them but American tourists are often victimized as they cannot detect the modus operandi of these youthful vagabonds.

The latest advisory (headlined by local broadsheets) reminds Americans to practice “commonsense security measures” the very same that are routine for us natives. Do not wear a lot of jewelry or brandish a lot of cash, keep your wallet out of sight, hug your handbag, avoid dimly lit areas, drink moderately, seek assistance when besieged, we know all that. However, tourists bent on enjoying the sights often forget.

Undeniably, street children, whether in gangs or in pairs, homeless or not are a grave problem to the City Government of Manila. The Manila Department of Social Welfare (MDSW) has a “City Rescue Operation” on a 24/7 basis and meticulously prepares lists of “rescued clients” indicating name, age, sex, address, province of origin (yes, too many are outsiders), time rescued, activity upon rescue.

The MDSW runs a place called RAC (Rescue Action Center), with trained social workers and which owns a couple of buses where street children are rounded up and taken to the RAC. They are bathed, fed, examined medically, share meals, and watch television while waiting for a relative or a parent to fetch. Sadly, there are a number of unfortunates who are not claimed as they are no longer wanted at home. What to do with them?

The MDSW also runs the Boys Town and Girls Home in Marikina but on land owned by Manila; it also has a home big enough for 80 senior citizens but at the last count there are already 210 in the installation.

Mayor Lim has showered his fatherly love on the inhabitants of the place. He has developed a small farm with the help of the Department of Agriculture, had an Olympic-sized pool constructed, as well as more houses and dorms, and free education is available to those who would like to make Boys Town and Girls Home their permanent residence. It is hard to believe that some youth prefer to go back to the streets with their wanton gangs and cruel Fagins.

(To be continued)(gemma601@yahoo.com)