CCPO Station 10 records more child abuse cases

CEBU, Philippines —  Child abuse has been the most common case involving children recorded in Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) Station 10 in Katipunan Street, Labangon this year.

Police Major Janelito Marquez told The Freeman on Friday, December 2, 2022, that they have been continuously conducting an Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) campaign to help children be aware of their rights.

Marquez said they have been roaming in schools within his jurisdiction to organize awareness talks for students in coordination with their Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD).

“We also give fliers and do social media campaigns as part of our Police Community Relations (PCR) campaigns,” said Marquez.

According to their data on crimes involving children from January to November this year, they have recorded six child abuse cases.

They also logged four cases of child-drug involvement and two cases of theft.

Recently, the station conducted an outreach program to celebrate Children's Day in Barangay Buhisan last November 30.

At least 50 kids benefited from the event. The activity was made possible with the cooperation of the barangay personnel and their other sector partners.

Children enjoyed parlor games and packed meals. An awareness discussion was also made, particularly on topics involving special laws on children, such as the No Touching Rule and The Anti-Bullying Act, among others.

Marquez said they hold outreach programs at least three to four times a month to break the stereotype of children among policemen.

"Aron mapaduol sad ang mga bata sa mga police kay sometimes ang bata hadlok-hadlukon sa una nga naay police. Atong gipaduol sa mga bata nga dili dapat sila mahadlok sa police kun sila molestyahan ug binuangan dapat moduol or mosumbong dayun sa police," said Marquez. — Robhe Jane Yara, GMR (FREEMAN)