CICL CASES DECREASE IN CALOOCAN

April 3, 2012

The number of cases involving juveniles or so-called Children In Conflict with Law (CICL) saw a decrease in Caloocan thanks to the local government’s programs on troubled minors, City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri said.

According to Echiverri, the number of CICL’s that are under the care of the Yakap Bata Holding Center in Caloocan has gone down to 36 children from 80 last year.

He pointed out that individuals aged 17 and below cannot be held criminally liable under Republic Act No. 9344. As such, CICL’s are brought to the Yakap Bata Holding Center for rehabilitation instead of the local jail.

The CICL’s undergo activities that break down the reason behind their involvement in crime as well as their attitudes that ultimate cause them to be “in conflict with the law”.

Aside from taking in these troubled youth, Echiverri’ campaign also involves caring for street-dwelling kids who may have already been abandoned by their parents.

Currently, the local government is supporting the Social Development Center (SDC) for young women as well as the Tahanang Mapagpala Center (TMC) for young men located in North Caloocan.

A total of 248 youngsters who have been brought there, abandoned or picked up from the streets have benefitted from the two institutions.

Echiverri ensured that his administration would continue to take troubled youngsters into its fold in order to have them grow with a fear for God and respect for the law.