DSWD urges LGUs to open juvenile rehab centers

CEBU, Philippines - The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 has called on local government units in Central Visayas to establish a juvenile rehabilitation center that would house children in conflict with the law.

Emma Patalinghug, DSWD child welfare and specialist, said that some local government units in the region still lack rehabilitation centers for juvenile delinquents. For now, only Cebu City, Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental and Tagbilaran City in Bohol have centers for children in conflict with the law. 

“Every local government unit is required to have juvenile center but this is not happening,” Patalinghug said.

Patalinghug has commended non-government organizations like the Bidlisiw Foundation and the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. for helping rehabilitate juvenile delinquents. Both foundations have been active in organizing child and family healing programs designed to put juvenile delinquents on the right track.

Cheryl Cabutihan, Child’s Rights Protection Unit project coordinator of the Children’s Legal Bureau (CLB), said that even before amending the Juvenile Justice Act of 2006, the government needs to address the lack of juvenile centers in the country first.

Under the Juvenile Justice Act, a minor above 15 years old but below 18 years old may be held liable for criminal offenses if proven that the child acted with discernment.

The call of amending the said law, lowering up to nine years old of conviction among CICLs, became louder after the spate of juvenile crimes that proliferated in the news, including a 16-year-old boy who allegedly killed his mother and half sister in Naga City, Cebu. (FREEMAN)