‘Wiper boys’ in Quezon City taken into custody

Authorities have taken into custody some individuals who were wiping windshields of vehicles in exchange of money in Quezon Avenue in Quezon City, John Consulta reported on Unang Balita Monday.

This was after the Quezon City Police District (QCPD) and Quezon City Task Force Disiplina received a report on the matter following a viral video showing a confrontation between a motorist and a “wiper boy.”

The wiper boys were allegedly cleaning the windshields of vehicles that stopped at traffic lights even without the permission of the drivers.

More wiper boys loitering at Araneta Avenue-Aurora Boulevard intersection were taken into custody, according to the city government.

“Muling umaksyon ang lokal na pamahalaan sa reklamo ng QCitizens ukol sa mga binansagang 'Wiper Boys' na sapilitang naglilinis ng windshield ng mga sasakyang nakahinto sa traffic light,” it said.s

(The local government again responded to the complaint of citizens about the so-called 'Wiper Boys' who forcefully clean the windshields of cars stopped at traffic lights.)

“Ilang 'Wiper Boys' ulit ang nahuli sa intersection ng Araneta Avenue at Aurora Blvd. na malapit sa SM. Sta. Mesa,” it added.

(More 'Wiper Boys' loitering at the intersection of Araneta Avenue and Aurora Blvd. which is close to SM Sta. Mesa were taken into custody.)

The arrested wiper boys were brought to police stations and turned over to barangay police security officers, according to the city government. Minors were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Kapag sinisita mo, umaalis naman sila. Kaso lang bumabalik din,” Barangay 479 chairperson Edgar Reminajes said.

(When you call them out,  they leave. But they come back.)

“Malaki ang peligro n'yan. Sinisingil nila 'yun kahit naka-go, hindi sila umaalis sa harap ng sasakyan. baka mamaya biglang tumakbo ang sasakyan, masagasaan sila talaga doon,” he added.

(It is dangerous. They are asking for money even when the green traffic light is on. They won't leave until they get money. The may get hit by a car.)

One of the “wiper boys” who is a minor said that she was doing to it to have money to buy food and allowance for school.

“Para sa pambaon ko. Pangkain namin. Natatakot pero sanay na e. Tititgil na kasi may trabaho na nanay ko e,” she said.

(For my allowance in school, for our food. I am scared but used to it. I will stop because my mother has a job now.)—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News