FACTORS TO JUVENILE DELINQUENCY AMONG MINORS IN

LAOAG CITY

JESUSA P. CANDAROMA, MSCJ

Faculty Researcher

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the different factors contributing to

juvenile delinquency among minors in Laoag City. It made use of the descriptive
method of research. The data were gathered through a checklist. One hundred twenty
(120) residents of Baragays 1, 3, and 23 of Laoag City were the respondents. The
said respondents were composed of twenty-four (24) barangay officials’ ninety-six
(96) residents of the said barangays. The data gathered were statistically treated and
analyzed with the use of frequency counts, percentage and weighted mean.

Results show that the most common delinquent acts committed by minors is
drinking liquor which obtained 80.8% of the total respondents. Findings of the study
revealed that the physical factors that affect minors to commit juvenile delinquency is
malnutrition. And it also shows that the topmost family factor that affects minors to
commit juvenile delinquency is broken home.

Based on the results of the study of the given conclusions, the following
recommendations were given: first, our government shall implement an ordinance
promulgating rules and regulations for the protection of minors in Laoag City. To
further protect the youth and keep them from getting involved in crimes and illegal
drugs, the Laoag City government should prohibited minors – persons under 18 years
of age - from loitering around public places in the city from 10 pm to 5 am. Second,
to ensure that minors will not be led on a wrong track, the City of Social Welfare and
Development (CSWD) of Laoag must schedule visitations and must implement
activities such as sport activities that would strengthen the bond between the
community, the family and the minors. Lastly, within a family, the parents and the
children must practice or have a harmonious relationship with each other so that
parents can provide good guidance and understanding in directing their children in
doing the right things instead of delinquent acts.
Keywords: factors, juvenile delinquency, juvenile,
Introduction

One of the leading problems that cause greatly impacts into the society is the
presence of crimes. Crimes, as viewed by sociologist are deviant behaviours that
violate prevailing norms, or cultural standards prescribing how humans ought to
behave normally. It also consists of violations of certain conduct norms, possessing a
specified character and based on the latter, it is a behaviour that diverges from the
prohibitions or injunctions in the criminal law (Gibbons, 1997). Numerous people in
different ages are into such crimes and these include the involvement of the minors,
the juveniles.

Juvenile crime also known as juvenile delinquency involves wrong doing by a

build or a young person, who is under an age specified by the law for the time being
force of the place concerned (Sethna, 2001). Also, Niemeyer (1996) puts the same
idea in his words “a delinquent person under age who is guilty of antisocial act and
whose misconduct is an infraction of law”. According to World Youth Report on
juvenile delinquency, youth nowadays, regardless of gender, social origin or country
of residence, are subject to individual risk but are also being presented with new
individual opportunities – some beneficial and some potentially harmful. Youth are
disproportionately represented in statistics on crime and violence, both as victims and
as perpetrators, and in many developed countries violent crimes are being committed
at younger ages than in the past (UNODC & World Bank, 2001, p. 61). Moreover,
reports show that in recent years, manifestations of discontent by youth have become
increasingly violent (UN-HABITAT, 2006, p. 146). In the Philippines, the Council for
the Welfare of Children reported that from 1995 to 2000, 52,756 children have been
in conflict with the law. Many of these cases involved in detention of minors, often in
the same cells as adult offenders. Since 2003, over 26,000 children have been
provided legal assistance by the Public Attorney’s Office. Above all, the arising
question that puzzled the minds of people in authority is that, what are the factors
contributing juvenile delinquency among minors?

The factors which operate to turn a child’s behaviour in one direction rather
than another may be very obscure, many as yet are beyond the detection of expert
sociologists, psychologists, physiologists and others. It often appears that quite
different offenses are the results of the same group of causes, but further investigation
shows that still other factors are present in each case which determine the type of
delinquency. For example, a poverty-stricken, unhappy home and irregular earnings
in the evening may lead one boy to play truant from school in order to earn more
money, may cause another to steal, or may result in another’s joining a street gang
and gambling.

The United Nations Guidelines for the Prevention of Juvenile Delinquency

(the Riyadh Guidelines) assert that “youthful behaviour or conduct that does not
conform to overall social norms and values is often part of the maturation and growth
process and tends to disappear spontaneously in most individuals with the transition to
adulthood. On the other hand, United Nations, World Programme of Action for
Youth, the intensity and severity of juvenile offenses are generally determined by the
social, economic and cultural conditions prevailing in a country. There is evidence of
a universal increase in juvenile crime taking place concurrently with economic
decline, especially in the poor districts of large cities. In many cases street children
later become young offenders, having already encountered violence in their
immediate social environment as either witnesses or victims of violent acts. The
educational attainments of this group are rather low as a rule, basic social experience
acquired in the family is too often insufficient, and the socio-economic environment is
determined by poverty and under or unemployment. In addition, there seems to be a
link between excessively high urban growth rates and violence in cities (Worldwatch
Institute, 2005), with violence becoming an increasingly urban phenomenon. In the
urban context, violence is acquiring more visibility than in the past, with much of it
carried out on the streets, often in densely populated neighbourhoods. Thus, in an
attempt to explain the theoretical underpinnings of delinquency, sociologists associate
the specifics of youth behaviour with the home, family, neighbourhood, peers and
many other variables that together or separately influence the formation of young
people’s social environment.

In the 19th century, juvenile reforms in the United States began to shift
thinking from a system of punishment to a system of rehabilitation, recognizing that it
is more beneficial for society to focus on the rehabilitation and treatment of children
separate from adults. Acting under parens patriae, or the 'parent of the country'
doctrine, courts could stand in place of the child's guardian to ensure their best
interests were being met. Cases began to be treated as civil matters rather than
criminal, although children could still be removed from the home and placed in
reform institutions. (Reuters, 2017).

The factors which operate to turn a child's behavior in one direction rather
than another may be very obscure, many as yet are beyond the detection of expert
sociologists, psychologists, physiologists and others. It often appears that quite
different offenses are the results of the same group of causes, but further investigation
shows that still other factors are present in each case which determine the type of
delinquency. For example, a poverty-stricken, unhappy home and irregular earnings
in the evening may lead one boy to play truant from school in order to earn more
money, may cause another to steal, or may result in another's joining a street gang and
gambling. More intensive investigation in each case would bring to light the specific
factors responsible for these differences.

At present, Laoag City is a first-class city and capital of the province of

IlocosNorte in the Philippines. The city is the province’s political, commercial, and
industrial hub. It has a total population of 111, 125 for the year 2015 as per National
Statistics Office report wherein 20.6% are considered as juveniles. Due to its booming
economy, problems such as the involvement of juveniles into committing delinquent
action arise (http://old.ilocosnorte.gov.ph/laoag-city/).

As a result, since as of a moment, minors are used by large syndicates in our

country to commit their illegal acts because they have their suspension on the
execution of sentence and exempted from criminal liability. In connection, the city of
Laoag, specifically the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) office dealing
with delinquents meet the difficulty of gaining their confidence. Foremost factors
were not yet identified since there are lots of factors to be considered. It can be the
factors which is within the child itself (physical factors) or the environment (social
factors) s/he deals with namely inside the home, the school or in the community.
Moreover, it can also be the things that s/he’s doing. Thus, this leads to the
conceptualization of this study wherein the factors contributing to juvenile
delinquency among minors in Laoag City are determined.
Research Framework
Differential Association Theory developed by Edwin Sutherland (1883-1950)
proposing that through interaction with others, individuals learn the values, attitudes,
techniques, and motives for criminal behavior. Differential association theory is the
most talked-about of the learning theories of deviance. This theory focuses on how
individuals learn to become criminals, but it does not concern itself with why they
become criminals.

Social Disorganization Theory is a theory attributing variation on crime and

delinquency over time and among territories to the absence or breakdown of
communal institutions (e.g. Family, school, church and social groups.) and communal
relationship that traditionally encouraged cooperative relationships among people.

Research Problems
Generally, this study aimed to determine the factors contributing juvenile
delinquency among minors in Laoag City. Specifically, it sought to answer the
following questions:
1. What are the common delinquent acts committed by minors in Laoag City?
2. What are the physical factors that affect minors to commit juvenile
delinquency in Laoag City?
3. What are the different social factors that affect minors to commit juvenile
delinquency in Laoag City, specifically:
a. Family Factors?
b. School Factors?
c. Community Factors?
d. Other Social Factors (Technological Factors)?
` 4. What are the programs of Barangay Officials to address juvenile
delinquency among minors in Laoag City?

Research Design
A descriptive method of research was used to determine the factors
contributing to juvenile delinquency among minors in Laoag City utilizing a survey
questionnaire.

Participants

The participants are the barangay officials and residents from Laoag City,
Ilocos Norte specifically Barangay 1 San Lorenzo, Barangay 3 Nuestra Senora Del
Rosario and Barangay 23 San Matias.The barangays have the most number of
juvenile delinquency cases recorded as per the Department of Social Welfare and
Development (DSWD) of Laoag City. There were 120 who were involved, twenty-
four (24) barangay officials’ ninety-six (96) residents of the said barangays.
Data gathering Instrument
A questionnaire was used to determine the factors contributing to juvenile
delinquency among minors in Laoag City based on the research of K. M. Banham
Bridges, titled “Factors Contributing to Juvenile Delinquency”. The first part of the
survey questionnaire determined the common delinquent acts committed by the
minors in Laoag City. Second part is the physical factors that contribute to juvenile
delinquency,third part is the social factors that contributes to juvenile delinquency and
categorized as family factors, school factors, community factors and technological
factors. Lastly, are the programs to address juvenile delinquency among minors in
Laoag City.
Data Gathering Procedure

Before gathering data, a letter requesting permission was written to the Mayor
of Laoag City to conduct the study. Upon approval of request, an interview was held
to the City Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) official of Laoag City to know
the top three (3) barangays with the most number of juvenile delinquency recorded
and the programs they have to address this case. After the interview, again, a letter
requesting permission was written to the Barangay Captains of the three (3) of Laoag
City to conduct the study. Upon approval, a schedule in administering the survey to
the three barangays of Laoag City was made. A letter of request was also addressed to
the respondents for permission to administer the study on their level of competence.
The researcher distributed personally the survey questionnaire to the respondents to
ensure good percentage of retrieval and that all items will be answered correctly.
After the respondents answered the survey questionnaire, the researcher retrieved it
and submit the data collected into interpretation and analysis.
Data Analysis
After all questionnaires were gathered, the researcher analyzed the
respondents’ answers through the use of basic statistical operations such as the
frequency counts, percentage and weighted mean.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Table 1. Common Delinquent Acts Committed by Minors

Delinquent Acts Committed by Minors Frequency Percentage Rank

fx %
Stealing 76 63.3% 2
Gambling 73 60.8% 3
Curfew violation 69 57.5% 4
Prostitution 38 31.7% 8
Rape 29 24.2% 10
Murder 33 27.5% 9
Drinking Liquor 97 80.8% 1
Driving under influence of liquor 65 54.2% 5
Vandalism 45 37.5% 7
 Drug abuse 51 42.5% 6
Burglary (trespassing) 18 15% 11

The table presents the gathered data about the common delinquent acts
committed by minors.
Results revealed that the most common delinquent acts committed by minors
is drinking liquor which obtained 80.8% of the total respondents. Alcohol plays a
large role in criminal activities and violence. Excessive drinking has the ability to
lower inhibitions, impair a person’s judgment and increase the risk of aggressive
behaviors. Because of this, alcohol-related violence and crime rates are on the rise
throughout the country. Over the past several decades, researchers have examined the
relationship between alcohols, drugs and crime. Data suggests that engaging in
prolonged drinking or binge drinking significantly increases the risk of committing
violent offenses. Giving in to the harmful effects of alcohol can change your life in an
instant.
Next is stealing which held 63.3%. Juveniles sometimes take things they want
without understanding that things cost money and that it’s wrong to take something
without paying of it. School-age minors usually know they’re not supposed to take
something without paying, but they might do so anyway because they lack enough
self-control. Preteens and teens supposed to steal, but might steal for the thrill of it or
because their friends do. Some might believe they can get away with it. As they’re
given more control over their lives, some teens steal as a way of rebelling. In other
cases, minors steal because they can’t afford to pay for what they need or want - for
example, they may steal to get popular name-brand items. In some cases, they may
take things to support drug habits.
Third is gambling which acquired seventy-three (73) responses. Peers at
school introduce gambling opportunities to groups of friends and convince others to
participate in bets. Minors are exposed to venues such as racetracks, where gambling
is not only common but expected. Images of gambling are found in TV, the radio,
billboards, posters and other forms of traditional and online advertising. New games
available as mobile and online applications allow minors to wager fake money and
property for opportunities to gain and win.
Fourth is curfew violation which got 57.5% of the total responses. Juveniles
congregate in large groups, it tends to make adults nervous. It’s also the cause of
many curfew laws and ordinances that restrict juveniles from being in public places at
certain hours. Curfew laws typically involve very light penalties, and a juvenile
violating curfew may not be punished at all in some situations. However, repeated
curfew violations, or violations of emergency or business curfews, can have harsher
penalties associated with them. Also parents or guardians of a juvenile who violates
curfew may also be penalized in some situations.
And lastly, driving under the influence of liquor which got 54.2% of the total
number of respondents. The underage consumption of alcohol, when coupled with
driving, can lead to more than just a simple Juvenile DUI (driving under influence)
charge; it can lead to minor possession of alcohol is in the car and vehicle
impoundment (which can cost thousands of pesos). Further, if an underage drunk
driver is involved in an accident that causes property damage, injuries to other drivers,
passengers, or pedestrians, or loss of life, the consequences and penalties can be
completely life altering to the person convicted of underage drinking and driving.
Table 2. Physical Factors that Affect Minors to Commit Juvenile Delinquency

Physical Factors that Affect Minors to Frequency Percentage Rank

Commit Juvenile Delinquency fx %
Malnutrition 78 65% 1
Diseases and Ailments 48 40% 4
Speech Defects 26 21.7% 6
(stuttering, stammering and etc.)
Substance Abuse 57 47.5% 3
(drug, liquor, etc. abuse)
Lack of Sleep 61 50.8% 2
Growth and Developmental Abnormalities 32 26.7% 5

This table shows the physical factors that affect minors to commit juvenile
delinquency.
Results revealed that the physical factors that affect minors to commit juvenile
delinquency is malnutrition obtaining 65% being the highest. Next is lack of sleep
50.8%. Third is substance abuse 47.5%, diseases and ailments about 40%, growth and
developmental abnormalities 26.7% and speech defects 21.7% being the lowest.
Malnutrition may cause inertia and mental sluggishness or hyper excitability
and nervousness in a child. Any of these conditions may lead to delinquency. The
child may become the sport of bad suggestion or the tool of his own feelings and
impulses. Or he may compensate for his disabilities in delinquent conduct. More
likely, lack of sleep, may cause feelings of drowsiness and inertia, but in addition to
this, it increases irritability, excitability and nervousness. The child, feeling his
handicap, may suffer from mental conflict and take refuge in delinquency. Or, he may
exhibit bad behavior due to impulses which are easily stimulated and hard to control
under a condition of hyper excitability and fatigue (K. M. Banham Bridges, 1926-
1927).
Lastly, substance abuse on its own can affect cognitive development, lowering
a young person’s inhibitions and ability to assess risks. It is also a powerful
contributor to crime when combined with other factors (Hawkins, Catalano, and
Miller, 1992).
Tables 3, 4, 5, and 6 presents the social factors that affect minors to commit
juvenile delinquency. It is categorize into four namely the family factors, school
factors, community factors and technological factors.
Social factors are said to contribute in the delinquent acts of minors. The
negative conduct of some of the members of the society will eventually affect the
system, economy, culture and societal development of a country. Law breaking
among teens is reported to increase from time to time as caused by social factors
(Abd. Wahab, 2006).
Table 3. Family Factors that Affect Minors to Commit Juvenile Delinquency
 Family Factors that Affect Minors to Frequency Percentage Rank
Commit Juvenile Delinquency fx %
Broken Home 81 67.5% 1
Family Rejection 60 50% 2
Immoral and delinquent parents 36 30% 7
Poverty and unemployment 43 35.8% 5
Family Size 53 44.2% 3.5
Deficient and Misdirected discipline 40 33.3% 6
Lack of parental care and affection 53 44.2% 3.5
Ill- treatment by step parents and guardians 27 22.5% 8

Results revealed that the topmost family factor that affects minors to commit
juvenile delinquency is broken home obtaining 67.5% being the highest. Second is
family rejection which got 50%. Both family size and lack of parental care and
affection acquired 44.1%. Next is deficient and misdirected discipline 33.3%,
immoral and delinquent parents about 30%. Lastly, ill-treatment by step parents and
guardians 22.5%.
An increased level of conduct disorder and behavioral disturbance in children
of broken homes took place (Block et al., 1986; Cherlin et al., 1991). Capaldi and
Patterson (1991) showed that disruptive parenting practices and antisocial personality
of the parent(s) accounted for apparent effects of divorce and remarriage. Thus, it is
likely that the increased risk of delinquency experienced among children of broken
homes is related to the family conflict prior to the divorce or separation, rather than to
family breakup itself (Rutter et al., 1998). 
Furthermore, family characteristics such as poor parenting skills, family size,
home discord, child maltreatment, and antisocial parents are risk factors linked to
juvenile delinquency (Derzon and Lipsey, 2000; Wasserman and Seracini, 2001).
McCord's (1979) study of 250 boys found that among boys at age 10, the strongest
predictors of later convictions for violent offenses (up to age 45) were poor parental
supervision, parental conflict, and parental aggression, including harsh, punitive
discipline. Some research has linked being raised in a single-parent family with
increased delinquency (McCord, Widom, and Crowell, 2001); however, when
researchers control for socioeconomic conditions, these differences are minimized
(Austin, 1978; Crockett, Eggebeen, and Hawkins, 1993). Some research has shown
that children from families with four or more children have an increased chance of
offending (Wasserman and Seracini, 2001; West and Farrington, 1973).
Table 4. School Factors that Affect Minors to Commit Juvenile Delinquency

School Factors that Affect Minors to Frequency Percentage Rank

Commit Juvenile Delinquency fx %
Insufficient Education 82 68.3% 1
Truancy (absenteeism) 34 15.5% 4
Lack of strong moral guidance 67 55.8% 2
Unsatisfactory children 27 22.5% 5
Peer Pressure 59 49.2% 3
Rigid and inelastic school system 21 17.5% 8
 Inadequate facilities for recreation 24 20% 6.5
Wrong grading system 24 20% 6.5

Results revealed that the school factors that affect minors to commit juvenile
delinquency is insufficient education obtaining 64.2% being the highest. Second is
lack of strong moral guidance which got 51.7%. Peer pressure acquired 45%. Next is
truancy (absenteeism) 24.7%, unsatisfactory children about 30%. Inadequate facilities
for recreation and wrong grading system are both 15.9%. Rigid and inelastic school
system which got 13.3% being the lowest.
Insufficient education, poor school performance, truancy, and leaving school
at a young age are connected to juvenile delinquency (Simons et al., 1991; Thornberry
et al., 1984). Several factors linked to delinquency, aggression, and violence has been
identified. For example, research has found that verbal and reading deficits are linked
to victimization (both inside and outside school), drug use, aggression, and delinquent
behavior when students who fall behind in reading become marginalized as failures
(Kingery et al., 1996). Moreover, if children have poor academic performance, poor
attendance, face expulsion or drop out of school, their probability of committing
crime is magnified. Leaving school early reduces the chance that juveniles will
develop the social skills that are gained in school, such as learning to meet deadlines,
following instructions, and being able to deal constructively with their peers. A child
without a proper education will eventually learn that he or she is at a disadvantage in
the workforce. This feeling of hopelessness, exacerbated by the national media’s
emphasis on low employment numbers and fiscal crises, can create an environment
ripe for juvenile crime.
Table 5. Community Factors that Affect Minors to Commit Juvenile

Delinquency

Community Factors that Affect Minors Frequency Percentage Rank

to Commit Juvenile Delinquency fx %
Lack of recreational facilities 58 48.3% 1
Proximity of luxury and wealth 32 26.7% 6
Loneliness, lack of social outlets 50 41.7% 3
Disreputable morals of the district 42 35% 4
Congested neighborhood and slums 33 27.5% 5
Influence of gangs and fraternities 51 42.5% 2

Results revealed that the community factors that affect minors to commit
juvenile delinquency is lack of recreational facilities obtaining 44.7% being the
highest. Next is influence of gangs and gang codes 38.3%. Third is loneliness, lack of
social outlet 37.5%, congested neighborhood and slums about 23.3%. Proximity of
luxury and wealth 22.5 % being the lowest.
Just as lack of recreational facilities in school leave a child practically no
socially desirable outlet for, and means of discipline for normal or abnormal impulses
during school hours, so lack of similar facilities in the neighborhood presents the
same and even greater difficulty for out-of-school hours. It is quite possible for a
group, whose original intentions were quite harmless, to develop into an unruly and
dangerous gang. Obviously, still more dangerous is a gang banded together for the
express purpose of law-breaking, stealing, or making "hold ups," such as are found in
large cities. An only child, one segregated from other children because of illness or
isolation of home district, one neglected by parents or guardians, or one strictly
confined without necessary play opportunities, is placed in a position which may
cause him to become delinquent. He is deprived of any means of satisfying his social
tendencies, his natural gregariousness. He is also deprived of socially acceptable
means of expression for such strong instincts as curiosity and adventure, rivalry, sex,
or self-display. As a result he will be compelled to find some outlet for these pent-up
tendencies, and it may not be a socially acceptable one. He may develop undesirable
sex habits, he may become incorrigible and impudent, or he may run away, steal or
damage property according to the most urgent demands of his nature.
Table 6. Technological Factors that Affect Minors to Commit Juvenile

Delinquency

Technological Factors that Affect Frequency Percentage Rank

Minors to Commit Juvenile Delinquency fx %
Computer/ Video games 94 78.35% 1
Pornography 51 42.55% 4
Social Media 56 46.7% 2.5
Violence watched in TV 56 46.7% 2.5
Android Games 41 34.2% 5

Table 6 presents the technological factors that affect minors to commit

juvenile delinquency. It shows that majority of the respondents (78.35%) agreed that
computer/video games is the most perceived technological factor that affects juveniles
to commit delinquent acts. Playing video games is a popular hobby among children
and youth. Most video games display violence since players are expected to shoot,
stab, kill or destroy to advance to the next level. According to Center for Inclusive
Child Care (2011), violent video games influence the behavior of minors by
prompting them to imitate the behavior of the game’s characters, the cartoonish
machismo, the hair-trigger rage, the dismissive brutality (New York Times, 2013).
Further, Gentile and Gentile (2008) have noted that video games are exemplary
teachers and are among the most effective learning tools available to youth. This
explains why the young people quickly learn and practice violent scenes, something
that results in delinquent behavior in the long run.
Also, a total of 46.7% of the total respondents indicated that social media and
violence watched in TV contributes in committing delinquent acts. Juveniles can
easily view questionable actions presented online. They view violent videos and
images through social media. Furthermore, the violent content in television shows can
impact juveniles’ behavior. When a juvenile watches violent content, he becomes a
passive recipient of such content. The problem is that juveniles can learn violence
based on such exposure to violence. The juvenile could easily imitate violence and
aggression he sees on TV and in social media (Bernstein, 2017).
 Next, pornography with 42.55% was indicated as ranked four that affects
minor to commit delinquent acts. Viewing pornography increases the likelihood of an
individual committing sexual abuse. Reasons include that the pornography normalizes
and/or legitimizes the sexual interest in children, as well as that pornography might
eventually cease to satisfy the user resulting in committing rape (Diamond, 1989).
Lastly, Android Games was indicated as the least technological factor that
affects minor to commit crimes. Android games are games played on a feature phone,
smartphone, tablet computer, portable media. As for this one, the different version,
styles and story of games makes the common user curious to explore and enjoy from
it. Thus, not all games that is attached to this application contributes for a minor to
become delinquent.
Table 7. Different Programs to Address Juvenile Delinquency

Different Programs to address Level of Weighted Level

juvenile delinquency Implementation fx Mean
3 2 1

1. Sports Activities 54 50 10 2.39 Always

2. Building Recreational 32 54 22 2.09 Sometimes
Facilities
3. Drug Symposium and 19 56 34 1.86 Not at all
Seminars
4. Rehabilitation Program 23 55 28 1.95 Not at all
5. Community Participation/ 37 44 22 2.15 Sometimes
Service
6. Counseling 21 72 12 2.09 Sometimes
7. Spiritual Programs 27 55 25 2.02 Not at all
8. Parent-Child Interaction 17 61 25 1.92 Not at all
Activities
9. House visitation by DSWD 14 73 15 2 Not at all
or any concerned sector
Average Mean 2.05 Sometimes
Legends: Level of Implementation Range

3- Always - 2.24 – 2.42

2- Sometimes - 2.05 – 2.23
1- Not at all - 1.86 – 2.04

Results revealed that the most programs implemented by the Barangays of

Laoag City to respond to the delinquent acts committed by minors is sports activities
obtaining a weighted mean of 2.39 being the highest. For building recreational
facilities, community participation/service, counseling were perceived by the
respondents as it can help to address juvenile delinquency sometimes. And as for the
seminars for drug symposium, rehabilitation program, spiritual program, apparent-
child interaction activities and house visitation the respondents perceived that it would
not help at all.
 As for this, it is no secret that today’s economically and socially at-risk urban
teenagers- especially boys — are just as likely to get involved in criminal behaviors
and go to jail as they are to graduate from high school and become productive adults.
There are many troubling factors that contribute to this situation, most of which are
beyond a teenager’s control. But recent findings around the country are showing that
juvenile crime rates are consistently reduced in neighborhoods where sports-based
youth development programs are improving the leadership, teamwork and self-
governance skills of at-risk teens.
Also, programs such as community participation/service help to address
juvenile delinquencies. Based on research, people under 18 have better outcomes
when they remain in the community with supports. Family support and community
reinvestment can help decrease the number of people that go into the juvenile justice
system.
Lastly, counseling is a type of talking therapy that allows a person to talk
about their problems and feelings in a confidential and dependable environment.
Counseling aims to help minors to deal with and overcome issues that are causing
emotional pain or making feel feel uncomfortable. It can provide a safe and regular
space for them to talk and explore difficult feelings. Thus assisting a child to be on-
track again and will help to find own insights and understanding of their problems.

CONCLUSIONS
Based from the results of the study, the following were concluded:
1. The most delinquent act committed by minors in Laoag City as perceived by the
respondents is drinking liquor.
2. The physical factor that greatly contributes in committing juvenile delinquency is
malnutrition.
3. The social factor, specifically the family factor that greatly contributes in juvenile
delinquency is having a broken home.
4. The social factor, specifically the school factor that greatly contributes in juvenile
delinquency is having insufficient education.
5. The social factor, specifically the community factor that greatly contributes in
juvenile delinquency is lacking of recreational facilities.
6. The social factor, specifically the technological factor that greatly contributes in
juvenile delinquency is playing computer/ video games.
7. The topmost program that was agreed to address juvenile delinquency is the
implementation of sports activities.
RECOMMENDATIONS

Based on the results of the study of the given conclusions, the following
recommendations were given: first, our government shall implement an ordinance
promulgating rules and regulations for the protection of minors in Laoag City. To
further protect the youth and keep them from getting involved in crimes and illegal
drugs, the Laoag City government should prohibited minors – persons under 18 years
of age - from loitering around public places in the city from 10 pm to 5 am. The
disciplinary hours will also cover minors who are not from Laoag City but would be
apprehended violating the curfew within its territory. The ordinance will also
penalizes the parents or guardians from allowing a minor to remain in public places
during the said hours and imposes penalty against them. Parents or guardians face up
to one year in jail or a fine of P5,000 “if (they) permit, allow or cause their child to
commit criminal acts.” The ordinance, also states that if the parents “lack knowledge”
of the child’s actions, “they can raise it in their defense but must have evidence” to
back up their claim. It explained that the children addressed by the ordinance are
those abandoned, neglected or abused by their parents. The primary aim of the
ordinance is really not to imprison erring parents, but to teach, guide and help them
raise their children to be responsible citizens of Laoag City. The ordinance, covers the
parents of minors apprehended for possession of deadly weapons, smoking, alcohol
consumption, use of illegal drugs, gambling and violation of the city’s 10 p.m.
curfew. The ordinance stressed that a minor’s deviant behavior could be largely due to
the absence or lack of parental supervision. Barangay officials and the police will play
key roles in the implementation of the ordinance. Second, to ensure that minors will
not be led on a wrong track, the City of Social Welfare and Development (CSWD) of
Laoag must schedule visitations and must implement activities such as sport activities
that would strengthen the bond between the community, the family and the minors.
Lastly, within a family, the parents and the children must practice or have a
harmonious relationship with each other so that parents can provide good guidance
and understanding in directing their children in doing the right things instead of
delinquent acts.
BIBLIOGRAPHY

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