Rey Anthony H. Chiu
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, February 25, 2013 (PIA)— The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) in Bohol forms a body that would consolidate the proposed amendments to the Juvenile Justice Law (JJL) which has been a torment for law enforcers.
During its special meeting February 19, 2013, Governor Edgar Chatto said, “in principle, the PPOC is in a unanimous position for the amendment, but we have not gone to the specifics and the nitty-gritty of the proposals.”
I think it is still the right time to push in the amendments while the Congress takes an election recess and would be ready to tackle on the proposals as they convene again after the polls, Chatto said.
On this, the council resolved to create a small group tasked to consolidate all these proposed amendments so that the PPOC can be appraised of the proposals for amendments.
A report admitted by Bohol Police Director Constantino Barot bared that a huge portion of crimes in Bohol have involved minors, below 18.
Members have also shared that, criminal elements, who have seen a flaw in the Republic Act 9344 or the act establishing a Comprehensive Juvenile Justice System, are now using minors in their nefarious activities.
The Juvenile Justice Law exempts a child below 18 years from criminal liability but subjects the child in conflict with the law to an intervention program.
While the law has already taken effect, the state still has to put up intervention facilities to properly address the issues of these children in conflict with the law.
Barot admits that, while minors involved in theft cases can not be imputed criminal liability, the Department of Social Welfare could only handle as much of these kids.
We leave them to the DSWD and in a few hours, these kids are back in the streets and in their usual occupation, the Bohol police chief shared.
With this and still several unresolved issues packed in the JJL, the PPOC approved en masse a motion to form a committee to propose these amendments and consolidate those which Boholanos have proposed to make the law firm.
The Committee, to be composed of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, Provincial prosecution, the Philippine National Police and religious sectors are expected to appraise the council of the proposed and consolidated amendments. (30/gg)
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