The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-6) has named rape, theft, robbery, murder and illegal drugs violations as the top five juvenile crimes committed in Western Visayas.
During the kick-off program of the 11th Juvenile Justice and Welfare Consciousness Week (JJWC) held at Nature’s Restaurant, Talisay City, DSWD-6 assistant regional director Arwin O. Razo said it is alarming that rape is on the top of the list and called for the participation of all stakeholders in addressing the issue.
There are 648 crimes reportedly committed by Children In Conflict with the Law in the region.
“The problem really requires the participation of all stakeholders by strengthening community-based interventions that should focus more on the prevention side,” he said.
A child in conflict with the law is a part of his immediate environment so there is a need to empower, protect, and loop the child into his family and community, he noted.
He called on the strengthening of the Local Council for the Protection of Children to be responsive, do its mandate, and champion the rights of the children.
“This is our advocacy, let’s work together for more community-based programs if we really want to avert potential cases of children at risk,” he said.AAL/Lljr/PIA 6 Negros Occidental
