SOME 141 reported children in conflict with the law (CICL) were recorded from January to November in 2019 which saw an increase of 48.42 percent from the same period of 2018.

With an increased rate of 21.56 percent, La Trinidad had the highest number with 69 followed by Bokod with 29 cases and Kapangan with 10.

Theft and robbery cases had the highest incidence with 77 followed by 23 malicious mischief, 14 physical injury, seven carnapping, four vehicular fire, and four drug use according to a data from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) of Benguet.

The PSWDO noted theft and robbery were the prevalent case of CICLs in most municipalities of the province followed by malicious mischief.

The youngest CICL is four years old who committed theft.

La Trinidad and Bokod has the highest number of theft and physical injury cases among CICL while Mankayan had increased cases of rape and carnapping with two cases each.

The PSWDO also noted most of the CICLs are in their teen age years when the committed the crime.

Most of the cases were not filed in court while others were amicably settled but had undergone and or currently undergoing intervention program.

PSWD officer Juana Bannawe said interventions given to CICL include financial aid, psychological examinations, counseling, trainings and lectures are provided to parents to boost capabilities in caring for their children.