Contributing Factor of Youth to Sukarap Gang Involvement in Malungon Sarangani Province

Abstract

INTRODUCTIONThe main issue to be addressed in this research was to determine the factors on the Malungon Youth to Gang membership called SUKARAP. Sukarap stands for suyop/sugal, kawat (theft), and rape. In its outcry for peace, the Municipality of Malungon is pounding on the implementation of Republic Act 9165 of the Philippines/anti-drug campaign ofthe government and Republic Act 9287 for anti-illegal gambling activities, which were strengthened by President Rodrigo R. Duterte. The Municipality was a zone of peace but is now overwhelmed by five (5) identified groups of Sukarap, namely; TPM, GPS, RMC, BCL & RMR Sukarap group. There was no study conducted about Sukarap in Malungon regarding the operation and recruitment of the gang that can help with the awareness of the parents and the community.METHODSThe researchers were interested in investigating the profile of the subjects. Purposive sampling was utilized, and this study applied the mixed method research design. The quantitative research design was used to identify the demographic profile of the forty (40) subjects. Two (2) humanities and social science teachers validated the interview guide. The researchers conducted two ways to gather the data: First, one member from each group was invited to gather the data on the demographic profile using the survey questionnaire; then, these five data gatherers were interviewed to identify the factors on the involvement of the youth in the Sukarap group. The rigor of the research was followed accordingly.

RESULTS

The main influencer of these youth was their friends, followed by rank 2, which was through the members of the Sukarap group. The purpose of joining the group was because they were excited to explore, be happy and meet more friends. This study found that 83% of them claimed they enjoy in their group, while seven percent (6.6%) said they meet their true friends. The gang members are engaged in several vices including smoking, accounted for 66% from the group, and drinking hard liquors at 33%. The motivation for joining the group was because of the financial problem and the family problem followed by gender inequality (6.6%). In terms of age, 16 to 19 years old are the majority (90.00%) members of the Sukarap group, with the youngest at 14 years old.

DISCUSSIONS

There were no members in the Sukarap group living above the poverty line. The ratio of student to out-of-school youth was 7:3, and the ratio of male to female members was 9:1.From the findings, Sukarap group members in Malungon were not taking illegal drugs.