Tuzon reports alarming arrests

February 23-29,2012

     Second time San Carlos Police Office Chief Harold Tuzon reported 30 arrests of minors involved in crimes against property during the monthly meeting of the City Peace and Order Council, February 24. The arrests cover from January to February 2012.
      "We recognize that theft and robbery is a problem in San Carlos City after the gang," Tuzon addressed the council with its presiding officer City Mayor Gerardo Valmayor, SP Chairman on Police Matters Hernan Antonio, Vice-Mayor Edgardo Quisumbing, and representatives from Department of Education-San Carlos Division, City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) and other government agencies.
      He emphasized that the council should notice minors are involved in these cases and suggested that barangay tanods be given the authority to help the police implement the Curfew for Minors.
      Meanwhile, CSWDO Chief Cynthia Mirande admitted that the problem does exist despite the implementation of the curfew.
      "Yes, alarming gyud sya. These minors are incorrigible. Gabalik-balik lang sila [ug ka aresto sa mga pulis]," Mirande told NRWP in an interview. Eighteen minors are now in CSWDO's guidance center while there are eight active cases already in court.

Poverty & parent factors

      The CSWDO chief further explained that most children in conflict with the law (CICL) have economic problems and are misguided by mothers and fathers who are unable to properly parent their own kids. Demographic profile of such minors also shows that several of them come from broken families while some had been abandoned.

Bida Best Ka Bata

      CSWDO is now trying to reach out to 20 CICLs through the Bida Best Ka Bata program that started in December last year. The program aims to boost their self-worth and to teach them that they are important to the community. Enrolled beneficiaries undergo counseling, sessions on values formation, and livelihood training.