According to Archival: TWG to improve OSCC operations, ‘mother figure’ needed for CICLs

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has disclosed that a technical working group (TWG) will be created to develop interventions for the children in conflict with the law (CICLs) sheltered at the Operation Second Chance Center (OSCC) in Barangay Kalunasan, following the recent break out of 15 juveniles who were later rescued over the weekend.

In a press conference on Monday, April 13, Archival said that the group, which will be formed within this week, will be tasked with reviewing the security system, improving amenities, and initiating programs to further ensure the welfare of over 100 CICLs inside the facility.

This, after he pointed out that the lack of facilities, equipment, and less-engaging programs inside OSCC may have prompted the juveniles to escape.

“In my analysis, akong gitan-aw naa silay recreation, naa silay bible study, naay ALS (alternative learning system) didto. [Pero] sa akong pagtan-aw, it’s not working well,” Archival said.

Although there are social workers already assigned at OSCC, Archival said there is a significant need to hire someone who will serve as a "mother figure" for the CICLs by guiding and taking care of them as if they were her own children.

“Ako gitan-aw sad nga kinahanglan ta naay gihinganlan nato og ‘mother figure’ nga naa didto,” he said.

“Naay social worker, but I think we need somebody who is more murag ‘mama’ in the sense nga kini man gud mga tawhana mga bata pa ni. Considering nga bata, kinahanglan pa gyud ni sa constant reminder sa mga mama,” Archival said.

Additionally, Archival mentioned several concerns within the facility, including a broken sleeping quarters, out of order television unit, lack of sporting activities, insufficient water supply, toiletry issues, and the absence of closed-circuit television (CCTV).

“Dako pa gyud ang ato trabaho, but rest assured we will be doing the best that we can right now nga before the year end maayo na ang ilang sleeping quarters… We will cure it and hope within this week, makabalik na sila sa area,” he added.

To recall, at least 15 CICLs, who are all boys aged 15 to 17, ran away from the facility on Saturday night. The minors allegedly used pieces of wood from a wooden broken bed to destroy the railings and then jumped off to escape.

Prior to the incident, a commotion occurred which was reportedly triggered by the confiscation of several contrabands, including at least three cellphone units believed to have been used by the CICLs to contact their families.

For this reason, Archival suggested the installation of a communication system inside the facility, where the minors can video call their families and at the same time support their rehabilitation.

He said that a computer device with a satellite will be set up as an alternative mode to in-person visits which is similar to the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology's e-visit system for persons deprived of liberty (PDLs).

“There should be a way for them to communicate with their family,” the mayor said.

When asked about plans to replace current staff assigned at OSCC, especially since there have been several reported escapes in recent years, Archival said he is also considering it pending results of an evaluation.

“That is one thing that we are looking at. So, atong i-evaluate kung unsa gyuy angay,” he said.

Currently, investigations are still ongoing to determine who among the staff at the facility allowed the entry of cellphones and other contrabands inside. Since there are no CCTVs inside, Archival said he will have them installed to monitor activities there.

Meanwhile, the mayor also commended the coordinated efforts of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), which led to the recovery of the 15 escaped CICLs within 22 hours.

“Nalipay diay ko sa atong Operation Second Chance and with the cooperation—dako kaayo og cooperation—sa atong CCPO nga gipamunoan ni Colonel Ylanan nga sila gyuy nitabang 80 percent sa nahitabo nga nakuha gyud nato ang bata,” Archival said.

All the juveniles who fled were safely rescued by the city police, particularly through the joint effort of the operatives from Guadalupe Police Station 9, the Mobile Patrol Unit, and the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) team that swiftly conducted response, search, and recovery operations.

Of the 15 minors involved, at least eight were immediately rescued within the vicinity of OSCC, while six were later located in separate areas outside the center and were safely returned. — (FREEMAN)