At operation second chance: 1 hurt in “love rivalry” stabbing

CEBU, Philippines —  A “love rivalry” allegedly led a 15-year-old Child in Conflict with the Law to stab a fellow CICL at the Cebu City Operations Second Chance (CCOSC) Thursday afternoon.

 The 16-year-old victim suffered a stab wound in the stomach and was rushed to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC). He is now out of danger. The FREEMAN withheld the names of the young offenders involved in the incident.

Ambrosia Ibones, executive director of CCOSC, said the two residents were harboring personal grudge against each other out of jealousy.

“Dunay misunderstanding kaning rival sa uyab. Maoy sinugdanan ana pero nasulbad namo. Unya na out of control kay dunay service provider para bible study naabot unya nataligam-an, naablihan ang gate. Pagbalik namo, naa na sila’s gawas,” Ibones said.

A physical confrontation ensued between the two rival minors resulting in the stabbing. Ibones said the 15-year-old suspect used a sharpened toothbrush as weapon. Aside from the 16-year-old victim, two other residents suffered minor bruises for trying to pacify.

Ibones said the suspect will be punished by limiting his time to watch television and sports activities like playing basketball. The incident also prompted the management of the facility to suspend the visitation privileges of the residents.

At least 84 CICLs are housed at the three-story facility in Barangay Kalunasan, Cebu City. Councilor David Tumulak, member of the council’s committee on peace and order, visited the CCOSC yesterday to remind the new officials and employees of their functions.

Tumulak said he also introduced some measures done by the previous administration to avoid the same incident in the future.

“Recommend ta nga dunay constant communication sa mga bata ug sa mga house parents kay kining house parents mopatuman sa isip usa ka inahan para ma storyahan ang problema sa kauban ug dili mo dako ,” he said.

Tumulak also recommended conducting random greyhound operations to check for possible bladed weapons.

Dr. Jeffrey Ibones, head of the city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services, said the family of the victim has the discretion to file charges against the suspect. He said he will recommend hiring and training more house parents and social workers to take care of the residents in the center. — FPL (FREEMAN)