Koronadal City—Local Police in South Cotabato noted a significant drop in the number of children in conflict with the law from January to October this year, Police Lt. Jojie Alog reported.
There were 44 youth offenders recorded this year. Police confirmed that there is a 67 percent decreased compared to 146 cases in 2018, according to South Cotabato Police Provincial Office.
“Theft and curfew hours violation are common offense among teenagers in the province,” Alog said.
Haidee Agustin, Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer, said child caring centers like the DSWD Regional Rehabilitation and Youth Center handled children in conflict with the law with a minor offense.
However, children, who were involved in anti-illegal drugs, were directed to Bahay Silangan Reformatory Center.
“Our Barangays have come up with various programs that would divert children from committing any crimes,” Agustin said.
Agustin said children who are younger than 15 with a minor offense should be detained at the barangay level to ensure that their parents are around.
“This strategy will guarantee that there is still parental care,” Agustin added.
She expressed her concerns over mixing young children with older children in a detention center.
