Mr. Danao, in a speech during the membership meeting of the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry last Friday, reported a 4% increase in the crime volume in the city from 2,766 during the second quarter of 2013 to 2,882 during the same period this year.
Mr. Danao, however, expressed alarm because 823 of the total crimes committed during the period cited involve children in conflict with the law. It can be recalled that Mr. Duterte has blamed former senator Francis N. Pangilinan for chaos in the country’s criminal justice system specifically the juvenile justice system.
Section 6 of Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Welfare Act of 2006, which was authored by Mr. Pangilinan, exempts criminals 15 years old and below from imprisonment and punishment even if they committed heinous crimes like rape or murder. However, the child will be subjected to an intervention program.
The law provides that children 15 years old and above but below 18 are also exempted from criminal liability unless he has acted with discernment, as determined by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the police.
“Young people who are into criminality are on the rise because the law has lured them criminality giving them a false belief that they are invincible. These are the very people who become hardened criminals later on because the accountability is no longer there,” Mr. Duterte said.
Republic Act 9344 is responsible for removing a great many children and teenagers from very destructive jail environments. This law and RA 10630 (which was designed to strengthen the provisions of the first law with direction toward rehabilitation) will only be successful if the mandated rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law is implemented. This is not an easy task and it requires dedication, resources and a commitment over the long haul. Positive results take time but they are long-lasting.
At Bahay Pag-asa, Bacolod the early years provided many occasions for disappointment and discouragement, but the Brothers, staff, foster parents and volunteers never gave in to despair. Instead they maintained the belief that the Christian values of compassion, forgiveness and self-sacrifice have to win out over the tendency to retreat to "get-tough" policies. As many retreat to old solutions of punitive measures, we have to show that children and teenagers are not driven to crime because of defects in the character but rather by systemic problems involving family problems, unemployment, the influence of criminal elements that recruit children, and a lack of educational opportunities.
As we look upon the boys currently here at Bahay Pag-asa, we see young people steadily recovering from abuse, poverty and adult criminal influence and we hear them asking every day for education, for opportunities to work so as to help their families, and for hope that their futures may be good and productive. Success stories here are increasing daily. Education is happening, careers are being developed, and more and more of these young people are moving into college and job-related educational programs as they move beyond our walls. What is desperately needed is that the world outside Bahay Pag-asa must have the employment opportunities that reward dedication, education and determination. Our boys here are developing their skills and values - the world outside must be ready to give them a chance to show what they can do for themselves, for their families, homes and country. That will take time, but it must be the common goal and our steadfast direction.
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