JUVINILE DELIQUENCY IN THE PHILIPPINES

I. Introduction
Juvenile delinquency is a legal term used to characterize the involvement of minors
in unlawful activities before they attain the legally defined age of 18. Minor offenses
committed by individuals under 18 are typically categorized as status offenses. In cases
where the crime is more severe, such as murder or rape, it is regarded as juvenile
delinquency, and in certain extreme situations, the minor may be subject to trial as an
adult
Numerous factors have been researched and demonstrated as potential contributors to
juvenile delinquency. These factors encompass socio-economic influences, the school-
to-prison pipeline, biological and personality traits, disabilities, disorders, and the medical
history of the family.
The juvenile court system is responsible for handling cases involving complaints
against children accused of delinquent behavior, which refers to criminal actions
committed by minors. Juvenile courts have the authority to adjudicate children as
delinquent and apply consequences aimed at rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Juvenile court proceedings are designed to be more informal and protective compared to
criminal trials. The adjudication of juvenile delinquency is not considered public
information and can only be accessed with a court order.
The procedures in juvenile court vary depending on the case and circumstances. The
court determines whether the crime was committed and decides on the appropriate
rehabilitation measures for the minor. Specific charges and consequences, whether they
involve felonies or misdemeanors, will be addressed according to the details of each
case, with legal guidance from the minor's attorney.

II. Body
CAUSES OR FACTORS OF JUVENILE DELINQUENCY
A. Peer pressure
The individuals with whom a minor associate can significantly impact the decisions
they make outside their homes. Peer pressure is a potent force, and minors often
engage in certain behaviors to gain acceptance and feel a sense of belonging within a
group. This peer influence is a key factor in juvenile delinquency.
In more perilous neighborhoods, children may exhibit delinquent behavior out of fear of
gang activity. Minors might make choices to ensure their safety or to impress gang
members, aiming to safeguard themselves within that environment. Both peer influence
and personal safety considerations can contribute to a minor's involvement in criminal
activities.
It's essential to recognize that various other factors may also play a role in a minor
breaking the law. Given the pivotal role these circumstances play in determining whether
a law is violated or not, the legal system carefully examines the entire situation when
assessing a case involving a minor.
B. Physical Abuse at Home
When a child or teenager experiences physical abuse within their home, it's common
for them to display disruptive behavior outside the home. Typically, this manifests in
 engaging in more aggressive criminal activities, targeting both individuals and property.
Acts such as various forms of assault and vandalism are frequently linked to instances of
physical abuse occurring within the home.
C. School Problems
Educational challenges contribute to juvenile delinquency, and there are several
school-related factors that may push a minor toward criminal behavior. Truancy stands
out as a primary factor. When a child consistently skips school, they miss out on the
educational advantages and fail to develop the discipline of regular attendance.
If a minor faces difficulty in learning or has a parent who is indifferent to ensuring regular
school attendance, the child may find themselves in circumstances that increase the
likelihood of engaging in criminal activities. Addressing and rectifying these educational
issues can pave the way for the child to move forward and lead a life free from criminal
involvement.
D. Economic Problems
Insufficient access to essential necessities such as food, clothing, or a stable living
environment can also be a catalyst for criminal behavior. When children experience
hunger, they may resort to theft as a means to address their basic needs. If a minor finds
themselves in a situation where their fundamental requirements are not fulfilled, there is
a significant likelihood of engaging in various forms of criminal activity.

CASES IN THE PHILIPPINES

The Pangasinan Police Provincial Office (PPPO) is expressing concern about the
rising number of Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) in the province. According to
Senior Insp. Ria Tacderan, the PPPO public information officer, they documented 232
CICL cases in 2016, which increased to 260 in 2017 and 265 in the following year,
excluding unreported incidents.
Tacderan revealed that common offenses committed by CICLs include petty theft and
rape. Specifically, she noted that rape cases involving minors as offenders numbered 85
in 2016, 75 in 2017, and 80 in 2018. Additionally, theft cases involved 44 CICLs in 2016,
33 in 2017, and 36 in 2018.
The data also indicates that CICLs involved in illegal drugs were 16 in 2016, decreased
to 10 in 2017, but increased to 28 in 2018, Tacderan added.
Expressing alarm over the trend, Tacderan highlighted the fact that some of the
delinquents are 15 years old and below. Based on 2018 figures, seven CICLs were aged
six to nine, 20 were between 10 and 12 years old, and 171 were between 13 and 15
years old.
Tacderan emphasized the importance of parental discipline, urging parents to recognize
that discipline starts at home. As part of their intervention program, the Pangasinan
police regularly conducts forums with children in schools, she said.
Juvenile delinquents commonly engaged in offenses such as theft, the illicit use of
rugby, causing physical harm, possessing firearms illegally, and having deadly weapons
unlawfully. Between 2006 and 2009, there was an upward trend in crime rates, but from
2010 to 2013, there was a decline. The age group of 10 to 15 years exhibited the highest
incidence of crimes, followed by those aged 16 to 17, and those aged 9 and below.
Within the 10 to 15 age group, theft and the illegal use of rugby were the most prevalent
offenses. The majority of juvenile offenders were male, with theft and the illegal use of
rugby being the most frequent crimes among them. A considerable number of these
offenders resided in urban areas and commonly committed crimes such as theft, the
illegal use of rugby, physical injuries, and possessing deadly weapons illegally. Nearly all
juvenile delinquents were released to their parents, while about 15 percent were directed
to youth homes, diversion programs, and intervention initiatives.
Most children of his age are typically found in school, focusing on learning
fundamental skills like reading, writing, and basic arithmetic, engaging in games like
dakup-dakup, siyatong, or hide and seek after classes, eight-year-old Stephen Dano had
a different reality. Rather than playing games, he was occupied as a drug mule.
Raised in the slums of Barangay Quiot-Pardo in Cebu City, Stephen was intimately
familiar with the hardships that accompanied a life marked by poverty. His parents
struggled to make ends meet, earning minimal wages as a construction worker and a
carenderia attendant.
Despite appearing fragile and diminutive on the outside, the boy harbored an inner
resolve to earn a livelihood, even if it meant jeopardizing his life. Expressing a desire to
alleviate stress and fulfill his physical hunger, Dano resorted to inhaling shabu and
rugby, as well as consuming alcohol.
Jackielou Bagadiong, a policy and research officer at the Juvenile Justice and
Welfare Council (JJWC), stated on Thursday, August 23, that the key to preventing
children at risk and in conflict with the law from committing crimes lies in the proper and
complete implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, rather than advocating
for a reduction in the age of criminal responsibility.
Bagadiong, speaking at the Department of Education's inaugural national child
protection summit, stressed the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council's push for the
complete implementation of the law. She aimed to dispel misconceptions surrounding
the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act, clarifying that it does not imply leniency for children
involved in criminal activities. Bagadiong expressed reservations about lawmakers'
suggestions to lower the age of criminal responsibility from 15 to a potential compromise
of 12 years old, citing concerns that such proposals are based on sensationalized
reports, creating an exaggerated view of children in conflict with the law. Lawmakers had
previously argued that reducing the age of criminal responsibility would discourage adult
criminals from using youth for serious crimes, given the current lack of criminal liability
for younger individuals.
The Philippine National Police (PNP) expressed a leaning towards endorsing the
House of Representatives' proposal to decrease the age of criminal liability to 12 years
old. Chief Supt. William Macavinta, who leads the PNP Women and Children Protection
Center (WCPC), stated that they are favorable to the idea of lowering the age of criminal
responsibility from 15 to 12 due to a noticeable rise in criminal engagement among
minors at this particular age. While affirming their support for the proposed age
reduction, Macavinta mentioned that the formal position of the PNP is still pending,
awaiting the official endorsement from the Chief PNP.
III. Conclusion
In conclusion, the case study of juvenile delinquency in the Philippines underscores
the multifaceted nature of factors contributing to the involvement of minors in criminal
activities. From the influence of peer pressure and dangerous environments to the
impact of domestic abuse and educational challenges, the root causes are diverse and
interconnected. It is crucial for policymakers, law enforcement, and communities to
address these underlying issues comprehensively. Initiatives aimed at strengthening
family support, improving educational opportunities, and creating safer neighborhoods
can play pivotal roles in preventing juvenile delinquency. Additionally, a nuanced
 approach that considers the unique circumstances of each case, rather than a one-size-
fits-all solution, is essential for rehabilitating and reintegrating young offenders into
society, fostering a future free from criminal involvement.
IV. RECOMMENDATION/ACTION PLAN
Strengthen Family Support:
Implement programs to enhance parenting skills, promote positive family dynamics, and
provide support services for families facing economic challenges. Establish counseling
services and community-based interventions to address domestic issues and prevent
violence within households.
Improve Educational Opportunities:
Enhance access to quality education for all children, ensuring that schools are
adequately equipped and staffed. Develop and implement programs to address truancy and
provide additional support for students facing learning difficulties.
Community-Based Programs:
Establish community centers that offer recreational activities, mentorship programs, and
educational support for at-risk youth. Encourage community involvement in crime prevention
through neighborhood watch programs and collaborations with local authorities.
Youth Outreach and Counseling:
Implement awareness campaigns on the consequences of juvenile delinquency and the
importance of seeking help. Expand counseling services for youth dealing with personal or
family issues, addressing mental health concerns, and offering guidance on making positive
life choices.
Legal Reforms:
Regularly review and update juvenile justice laws to ensure they align with international
standards and best practices. Focus on rehabilitation rather than punitive measures,
providing alternative sentencing options and diversion programs for minor offenses.
Skills Development and Employment Opportunities:
Create vocational training programs and job placement services to equip juveniles with
the skills necessary for employment. Foster partnerships with businesses to provide
mentorship and internship opportunities for at-risk youth.
Gang Prevention and Inter (Mahr, NONE)vention:
Develop initiatives to deter youth involvement in gangs, including community
engagement programs, mentorship, and after-school activities. Implement intervention
strategies for those already involved in gangs, offering alternatives and support for leaving
such affiliations.
Data Collection and Research:
Establish a comprehensive and regularly updated database on juvenile delinquency,
helping policymakers make informed decisions based on accurate information. Support
research initiatives to identify emerging trends and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention
programs.
Community Policing:
 Foster positive relationships between law enforcement and the community through
community policing strategies. Train law enforcement officers to handle juvenile cases with
sensitivity and an emphasis on rehabilitation rather than punishment.
Collaboration and Networking:
Encourage collaboration among government agencies, non-governmental organizations,
schools, and communities to pool resources and expertise. Establish networks for
information-sharing, best practices, and coordination in the implementation of juvenile
delinquency prevention and intervention programs.
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