Over 100 minors in rehab at Operation Second Chance

CEBU, Philippines — More than 100 Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) are currently undergoing rehabilitation and recovery at the Cebu City-run Operation Second Chance Center, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS).

DSWS head Portia Basmayor disclosed the figure during the Openline News Forum on Tuesday, August 19, noting that it reflects a rise in the number of minors involved in criminal activities, particularly drug-related cases.

“Amoang mga bata didto is nagkaanam siya og kasaka. So, makuan (ma-assess) gyud nato nga nagkasaka gyud ang incident. Then, makaingon ta nga naa tay 100 plus nga data nga naa sa Operation Second Chance for the rehabilitation and recovery,” Basmayor said.

She added that social media has also become a major influence on why many teenagers are drawn into crimes such as bullying and physical assault, with some acts deliberately filmed and uploaded online.

“Dako kaayo og influence pod sa social media… Ilahang punto lang is ma-viral,” she said, noting that some minors may even be motivated by the potential to monetize views.

Basmayor said the rehabilitation center in Barangay Kalunasan primarily takes in minors aged 15 to 17, but there have also been cases involving those younger than 15—a growing concern among social workers.

She cited one case of a 14-year-old who had been admitted to the center multiple times for repeated shooting incidents, prompting authorities to file a petition for involuntary commitment before the court.

According to Basmayor, referral to the center is considered a last resort, as the DSWS protocol requires medical intervention and case assessment as the initial steps.

On the issue of lowering the minimum age of criminal liability, which is being proposed under Senate Bill 372 filed by Senator Robin Padilla, Basmayor admitted there are both advantages and drawbacks.

As a mother, she believes that minors as young as 10 years old who commit heinous crimes—such as murder, parricide, kidnapping, rape, robbery, arson, and drug offenses—could be held liable.

However, she also emphasized that many of these minors are themselves victims of circumstance, easily manipulated due to their lack of maturity and discernment.

“Uban man gud victims lang sila… Victims pod sila sa kahigayonan tungod kay ila mga ginikanan kay victims pod sa kahigayonan… Kahibaw ta nga naa silay mga gipangbuhat na heinous crimes, pero victim ra pod sila sa mga tao nga nigamit sa ilaha,” she explained.

Basmayor urged parents and guardians to be vigilant and maintain open communication with their children to prevent them from falling into delinquency.

“Pasabton lang gyud nato. Kung naa lang gyud tay communication always sa atong mga anak, tingali dile nato matagamtaman ang mga daghan kaayong problema,” she said. — (FREEMAN)