Stricter watch on gang recruitment ordered

Police yesterday have been directed to intensify intelligence and monitoring as regards to the recruitment of minors by gangs and fraternities after three minors, all members of “Crips Gang,” were caught sniffing rugby near the church in Boljoon town.

The three, ages 14, 15 and 16, are still on their fifth grade in an elementary school in the town. They were caught by two policemen on the act of sniffing the volatile substance shortly after sunset last Friday. They were subsequently turned over to the Department of Social Welfare and Development for proper action. 

Confiscated from the group were two small bottles of rugby and six assorted plastic bags used for sniffing.

Police believe that involvement in groups like gangs and fraternities at a very young age is detrimental to the child, especially that a group such as the Crips is noted for its notoriety.

The word Crip Gang or Crips became popular in 1971 in Los Angeles wherein the members would wear blue scarves around their neck and head. The members are said to be violent and due to their aggression, a stalwart group called “Bloods” was formed.

Their rivalries ran in the late ‘70s, ‘80s, ‘90s and even at present, this time involving drugs and gun running all throughout the United States. Exposure to the western culture encouraged certain Filipino youth to also organize their own Crips and Bloods gang in the country. — Ferliza C. Contratista/JMO