Teenagers detained at Pasay City Youth Home, a rehabilitation center for youth offenders, started rioting early Monday after a security guard tossed tear gas at them.
Security guard Joey Lim said two teenagers locked themselves inside the kitchen and threatened to open the LPG tank, which prompted him to throw tear gas at them.
Some of the teenagers, however, said they just went downstairs to get water when Lim started scolding them.
The incident prompted the teenagers to run riot and destroy chairs, window panes and flourescent lamps inside the youth home. Some of the minors begged to be moved out of the detention center because of the stench of tear gas.
The teenagers later quieted down upon the arrival of elements of Pasay City Special Weapons And Tactics. The SWAT team also chastised the security guard for throwing tear gas at the teens.
“They should immediately seek the help of the authorities. He shouldn’t have thrown tear gas at the boys,” said Superintendent Marietto Valerio, Pasay City Police chief.
The police said the Pasay City government should station more guards at the youth center.