The mother of the three kids smoking in a video that went viral on social media denied teaching the children how to smoke.
In the video, three children, aged 6 to 9, are seen smoking cigarette on the side of a street in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
One of the children said they learned smoking from their mother and older brother, reported ABS-CBN News.
The mother, named Elsa, denied teaching her children how to smoke adding that she does not have any vices.
“Hindi ko matanggap na magulang ako, na ganoon ‘yong anak ko,” Elsa said.
“Baka daw adik daw po ako. 100 percent, wala akong bisyo,” she explained.
Elsa said the children were able to buy the cigarettes from a store in their neighboring barangay, which the store owner also denied.
The store owner said they do not sell cigarette to minors, especially children.
Manila City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWD) officer-in-charge Nanet Tanyag said that barangay officials and schools should help parents in guiding children during their development years.
“Nakakalungkot na makita na sa ganoong murang edad ay naninigarilyo sila at matapang ang kanilang pagsagot sa taong nagtatanong,” Tanyag said.
The children will undergo observation to check if their smoking had affected their health.
