Minors nabbed for Lahug theft

SEVEN minors were arrested by the police in connection with theft cases that occurred on Salinas Drive in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City late Thursday night.

Their arrest came after a concerned citizen tipped the authorities, said PO2 Diosdado Pareja of Mabolo Police Station.

The minors, whose names are withheld, were brought to the custody of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) last Friday in Barangay Labangon.

Pareja, when interviewed by Sun.Star Cebu, said the minors allegedly stole gadgets, bags, and wallets from foreign nationals.
“Tapok-an nila ang mga biktima dayon ilang kuotan. Kung makahigayon sila, ilang snatchan (They would crowd around the victim and someone would pick his or her pocket or bag. Sometimes, they would snatch items),” he said. The minors, who are all below 15, reportedly live in Barangay Ermita.

“Kadaghan na ni sila namo gidakop sauna. Magbalikbalik lang (We’ve arrested them several times),” Pareja said, adding that the minors don't face criminal liability.

Under Republic Act 9344 or the Juvenile Justice Act of 2006, children “15 years of age or under” are exempted from criminal liability.

However, the law provides that minors above 15 years but below 18 years may be charged with a criminal offense if social workers determine that the minor committed the crime with discernment.

Some lawmakers and police officials have proposed lowering the criminal liability to 12 as some unscrupulous persons would use minors to commit crime.

“Para nako ang ginikanan dapat ang ma-hold liable ani. Naa sila'y responsibilidad sa ilang mga anak ug dili lang pasagdan (Parents should be held liable. They are responsible for their children),” Pareja said.