Minors in scuffle to get intervention

CEBU, Philippines — Following the recent mauling incident in Sitio Pagutlan, Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City, where a 13-year-old girl from Barangay Pajo was attacked by five other minors, the involved minors, including the victim, will undergo a two-month intervention and diversion program with City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO).

Last Wednesday, three suspects aged 14, 15, and 16, together with their parents, surrendered to Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan’s office following his directive to turn themselves in by 5 p.m. that day.

However, the two remaining suspects from Mandaue City have not yet surrendered.

In a recent report by the city, the surrendered perpetrators are now in the custody of the Home Care Center for Children to undergo intervention. Meanwhile, the 13-year-old victim went back home to her parents in Barangay Pajo.

Of the five identified perpetrators, four are from Mandaue City while the youngest, aged 14, is from Barangay Bankal, Lapu-Lapu City. The sixth minor, a 14-year-old girl, was from Barangay Maribago, and who filmed the incident, the report added.

Regarding the two remaining perpetrators, the Lapu-Lapu CSWDO said that they are still coordinating with Mandaue City to find them and ensure they also undergo intervention.

According to social welfare officer Buenafe Remocaldo of CSWDO, the mauling took place last September 25 at 1 a.m. during a disco in Sitio Pagutlan.

All of the minors involved are suspected to be members of a certain gang called True Brown Style, which originates from Talisay City. The minors reportedly have similar tattoos associated with the group.

"Daghan pa kaayo silang mahinungdanon nga mabuhat nga mas ma-enjoy pa nila ang ilang kinabuhi kaysa sa maong binuhatan,” said Chan, expressing dismay at the violence displayed by such young individuals.

Chan called the attention of parents, barangay officials, and the police, urging them to closely monitor the activities of minors and youth in the city especially at night.

As to their guardian, the parents of the perpetrators and victim will undergo “Parent Effectiveness” training and basic counseling. In addition, the victim will receive community-based support while perpetrators will remain in the Home Care Center for Children for their intervention.

“Ipatutukan nato, labi na sa kabarangayan, kaning regular monitoring sa mga kabatan-onan,” he said.

He further instructed the city police to strictly enforce the curfew ordinance for minors and reminded parents to observe their children for signs that may indicate gang involvement, such as burn marks and tattoos among others. (CEBU NEWS)