Juvenile offenders may be released soon

A total of 1,507 juvenile offenders may be released soon from the detention cells of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) as a result of the passage of Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

DSWD Secretary Esperanza Cabral said the criminal cases filed against those below 15 years old will be dismissed as mandated by the new law, which aims to protect the rights and welfare of Filipino youths.

The violations usually committed by young offenders include vagrancy, theft and homicide. Majority of them are based in Metro Manila.

"Children below 15 years old shall no longer have criminal liability. Those aged 15 to 18 can be charged provided that it can be proven that they committed the offense with discernment," Cabral said in press briefing.

Under the old law, only children up to nine years old were exempted from criminal liabilities.

Under the new law, minors can no longer be detained in jail cells with adult offenders.

The DSWD will, however, still subject the offenders to "restorative proceedings" to ensure that they will not grow up to lead a life of crime.

Cabral said the recidivists would be kept in detention so they could be given proper counseling.

The law mandates the creation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council (JJWC), which will be headed by DSWD Undersecretary Alicia Bala, of the Police and Programs Group.

The council is composed of the DSWD, the Department of Justice, Commission on Human Rights and the Council for the Welfare of Children.

A few months ago, the DSWD took custody of minors who were languishing in jails. They were brought to detention facilities being run by the DSWD and local government units.

At present, the DSWD is managing facilities like the Bahay Kanlungan sa Kalakhang Maynila with the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Cabral said that since the facility was opened last February, they have taken in 391 minor offenders.