Sinas laments adults' use of kids to commit crimes

CEBU, Philippines — If the bill on lowering the age of criminal liability will be signed into law, the police will implement it.

Police Regional Office (PRO-7) director Chief Supt. Debold Sinas said the duty of the police is to implement the law.

"What will be the law, that is what we'll implement," he said.

Sinas admitted that his men are having difficulties with cases that involved minors.

He noted that adults committing crimes also use children in their illegal activities.

"Kabalo sila na kapag naay mahitabo sa bata, mag lisud ang police og explain," Sinas said.  (They know that if something happens to the children, the police will be in trouble.)

He cited the situation in Barangay Tangke, Talisay City where policemen initiated projects to help children stay away from in crimes.

He revealed that in the barangay, children are used as spotters and guide for those who want to buy drugs.

There were also instanced when children are caught in drug dens but they could not be included in the statistics of arrested persons and are only classified as "rescued."  They were turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development.  - Imarie Jane D. Madarieta (FREEMAN)