EDITORIAL - A second chance for Operation Second Chance

After an incident last December 22 when six children were able to escape after a riot, personnel of the Cebu City-run Operation Second Chance have denied that it was their negligence that led to what happened, citing lack of resources, particularly guards, to secure the facility.

It was not first time someone escaped from the facility, last October a total of 11 minors were also able to escape.

If what the personnel of the facility claim is true, and that they are indeed in need of resources and personnel in the facility, this is something the city needs to address with urgency.

Youthful offenders, or children in conflict with the law, as they are called today, need help now more than ever.

Whether we admit it or not, the youth of today now have more chances to get into trouble compared to previous generations. For instance, it has become easier for them to get drugs owing to the widespread narcotics problem, it has become easier for them to congregate and plan mischief, owing to the available technology.

There is also no shortage of bad influences, considering the increasing number of dregs in society, and given that scenes depicting violence have become more and more common in movies, television, video games, and the internet.

And for the more brazen ones, it has become even easier to get access to guns and other deadly weapons.

As a premier city, and the one most powerful and influential in the country outside Metro Manila, Cebu City must have a rehabilitation facility that can actually make sure that detainees there really get a second chance at being a productive member of society when he or she leaves its doors.

Here’s another reason why we need a rehabilitation center for children that actually works; we have a population growth that shows no sign of slowing down. Therefore, we will always have a constant supply of disgruntled youth who will sooner or later get in conflict with the law given the wrong circumstances.