EFFECT OF INCREASED THEFT INCIDENTS INVOLVING CHILD IN CONFLICT WITH THE LAW AT BARANGAY 176, CALOOCAN CITY

Abstract

Barangay 176, formerly known as Bagong Silang, has historically faced challenges related to minors involved in theft, particularly in crowded areas such as markets and transportation terminals. In 2019, the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) addressed 515 cases of children in conflict with the law in Bagong Silang, many stemming from impoverished backgrounds marked by neglect and violence. ​  In response to these issues, Barangay 176 enacted a Diversion Ordinance in March 2021. This ordinance offers individualized, community-based programs for minors involved in victimless crimes carrying penalties of not more than six years imprisonment, emphasizing restorative justice and aiming to facilitate rehabilitation and reintegration without resorting to formal court proceedings. ​  Furthermore, in April 2024, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act No. 11993, dividing Barangay 176 into six separate and independent barangays: Barangay 176-A, Barangay 176-B, Barangay 176-C, Barangay 176-D, Barangay 176-E, and Barangay 176-F. This division aims to improve local governance and address community-specific issues more effectively. ​ en.wikipedia.org +4 pco.gov.ph +4 elibrary.judiciary.gov.ph +4  To comprehensively understand the factors influencing juvenile delinquency in this area, a study focusing on the following aspects is proposed:  Demographic Profile of Respondents: Collect data on minors involved in theft to analyze correlations between demographic factors (age, sex, civil status, educational attainment) and involvement in criminal activities.​  Assessment of Social Bonds: Utilize Hirschi's Social Bond Theory to evaluate how attachment to family and peers, commitment to societal norms, involvement in conventional activities, and belief in societal rules influence delinquent behavior among minors.​  Identification of Challenges: Explore the problems faced by these minors in terms of the aforementioned social bond variables, including family dynamics, peer influences, school engagement, and societal perceptions.​  Proposed Measures: Based on the findings, recommend targeted interventions such as community-based rehabilitation programs, educational support, family counseling, and peer engagement initiatives to address the root causes of juvenile theft in the newly established barangays.​  Implementing this study aims to inform policies and programs that effectively reduce juvenile delinquency and promote the well-being of minors in the restructured barangays of Caloocan City. The study will involve 50 respondents, categorized as follows:​  Parents: 25 participants​ repository.up.ac.za DSWD Staff: 5 participants​ Barangay Officials: 20 participants​ A purposive sampling technique will be employed to select respondents who are best suited to provide relevant information for the study. This non-probability sampling method is intentional, aiming to gather insights from individuals with specific characteristics pertinent to the research objectives. ​  Prior to administering the questionnaires, the researchers will send a formal letter to the school principal seeking permission to distribute the questionnaires to the target respondents within the school. This step ensures adherence to institutional protocols and respects the school's administrative procedures.​  The researchers will also submit a hard copy of the questionnaire to their research adviser for review. This review aims to assess the clarity and comprehensibility of the questionnaire, identifying and addressing any ambiguous or confusing questions before the final administration. This process is crucial for enhancing the reliability and validity of the data collected. The study indicates that the primary concern among respondents is the association between the rise in theft incidents and a corresponding decline in adherence to legal norms and societal rules among Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL). This issue was highlighted by 45 out of 50 participants, representing 90% of the respondents.​  This finding is consistent with existing literature, which suggests that engagement in theft and other delinquent behaviors can erode commitment to societal norms among youth. Factors such as poverty, dysfunctional family environments, and peer influences have been identified as contributing to such behaviors. ​  Addressing this issue necessitates a comprehensive approach that includes community-based rehabilitation programs, educational support, family counseling, and peer engagement initiatives. These interventions aim to strengthen the social bonds of CICL, promoting attachment to positive role models, commitment to societal norms, involvement in constructive activities, and belief in societal rules. ​   Implementing such measures is crucial for reducing juvenile delinquency and promoting the well-being of minors in Barangay 176 and similar communities. To effectively address the issue of theft incidents involving Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) in Barangay 176, Caloocan City, we recommend implementing the following initiatives:  Community-Based Educational Programs:  Purpose: Enhance community understanding of the challenges faced by CICL, fostering empathy and collaborative support.​ AICHR  Strategies:  Workshops and Seminars: Organize sessions led by child development experts and legal professionals to educate community members about the socio-economic and psychological factors influencing juvenile delinquency. Awareness Campaigns: Utilize local media, posters, and social media platforms to disseminate information highlighting the importance of community support in the rehabilitation of CICL. Community Dialogues: Facilitate open forums where residents can discuss concerns, share ideas, and collaborate on solutions to prevent juvenile delinquency. Expected Outcomes:  Increased community empathy and reduced stigma towards CICL. Strengthened community support networks for at-risk youth. Enhanced collaboration between residents and local authorities in crime prevention efforts. Educational Programs for CICL on the Consequences of Criminal Behavior:  Purpose: Educate CICL about the legal, social, and personal repercussions of criminal activities to deter future offenses.​  Strategies:  School-Based Programs: Integrate modules into school curricula that discuss the legal system, the impact of crime on victims, and the long-term consequences of criminal records. Interactive Workshops: Conduct role-playing sessions and discussions with legal experts and former offenders to provide real-life perspectives on the consequences of criminal behavior. Peer Mentorship: Establish mentorship programs where older students or rehabilitated individuals guide and counsel younger CICL, sharing experiences and offering guidance. Expected Outcomes:  Enhanced understanding among CICL of the negative impacts of theft and other criminal behaviors. Reduction in the likelihood of reoffending due to increased awareness. Promotion of a culture of lawfulness and respect for societal norms among youth. Community-Based Rehabilitation Programs:  Purpose: Provide supportive interventions to reintegrate CICL into society, reducing recidivism and promoting positive behavior.​  Strategies:  Diversion Programs: Implement community-based diversion strategies to prevent formal processing of CICL within the justice system, focusing on rehabilitation and reintegration. Aftercare Services: Offer continuous support through counseling, vocational training, and educational assistance to facilitate the reintegration of CICL into the community. Family Counseling: Provide counseling services to families of CICL to address underlying issues contributing to delinquent behavior and strengthen family support systems. Expected Outcomes:  Reduced recidivism rates among CICL through effective rehabilitation. Successful reintegration of CICL into the community as productive members. Strengthened family units providing stable support for at-risk youth. Implementing these recommendations aligns with evidence-based practices emphasizing education, community involvement, and rehabilitation as key strategies in preventing juvenile delinquency. Studies have shown that community-based programs, early intervention, and educational initiatives are effective in reducing youth crime and promoting positive behavioral changes. ​  By adopting these approaches, Barangay 176 can create a supportive environment that addresses the root causes of theft incidents involving CICL, promotes rehabilitation, and fosters a safer community for all.