In smelly cells in police stations, youth rehabilitation centers and mental hospital. They tie them up, chain them to beds, lock them up in filthy rooms. Children are put behind bars supposedly for their protection. But once there, their world is not much kinder than it was in the streets or slums.
Food is scarce and stale.
The cops are mean and the quarters, cramped and squalid. Policemen and wardens beat up little boys hauled from the streets, while young girls are molested. Photographer Rick Rocamora has been documenting Manila's invisible children for many months as part of a long-term project. He spent time in police stations, rehabilitation centers, mental hospital and institution for mentally retarded children. Without outside help and concern, these children would be permanently scared.