Anti-crime task force seeks amendment to juvenile law

CEBU, Philippines – The Cebu Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force on Criminality called for the amendment to the Juvenile Justice System Law, which exempts minors 15 years old below from criminal liability, during its first meeting yesterday with Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

The task force, in a resolution, also wanted the restoration of the provisions of the Revised Penal Code.

It also passed another a resolution which expressed support to a pending Provincial Board ordinance urging the local government units in the province to impose cur-few.

According to Provincial Attorney Marino Martinquilla, the two resolutions will be sent to Congress.

"The body found out that the criminal justice has wreaked havoc on our peace and order. Ang mga bata ang gigamit sa old criminals," he said.  

Since the task force has no vice chairman yet, the governor will designate a substitute when she is not around.

Garcia had issued an executive order appointing the presidents of the Integrated bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu province and Cebu City chapters as additional mem-bers of the task force.

In her order, the governor said for the task force to effectively perform, it needs the assistance of the two IBP chapters. (FREEMAN)